Neemias Queta creates 'Big Men U' in Boston

When Neemias Queta stepped into the Auerbach Center media room for Celtics Media Day on Monday ahead of the 2026/27 season, which tips off October 20, the Portuguese center had already logged over four hours of interviews, TD Garden promotional shoots, and countless photo sessions—signature headband included. "Yeah, it's been a long day, a long day..." Queta sighed with a grin before the opening question, reacting to whether they had put him through the wringer.

One of the major focal points heading into the campaign is how Queta will mesh with fellow big man Mitchell Robinson, who was acquired over the summer from the defending champion Knicks and posts figures remarkably similar to the Portuguese international. The battle for Boston's starting center role remains wide open—a dilemma that head coach Joe Mazzulla himself has likely yet to settle.

Asked about his offseason—which featured a stint representing his national team—and the process of integrating high-profile newcomers like Paul George (formerly of the 76ers) and Robinson, Queta was quick to respond: "Yeah, it's a work in progress, as always. Getting to know new faces, new personalities, and different facets of the game for the team."

"Obviously, it takes some time, but we've been putting in work for most of the summer. Several guys have been here since July and August grinding. We'd come in, find them working out, and jump right in. We're still figuring out what clicks since we haven't played much five-on-five yet. We've been running the floor and they're settling in nicely. I feel great about them joining us. It should be a tremendous opportunity for everyone and a big year," he noted.

Reflecting on the chance to sharpen his skill set in FIBA play and where he made his biggest strides this summer, Queta explained: "It was another opportunity to grow in the middle of the summer when your body isn't quite at peak game shape—nothing truly compares to an NBA season. Even so, getting meaningful minutes against top-tier competition and testing different things across various game scenarios was valuable."

"I feel like my versatility is trending up, as well as my shooting touch and defensive adaptability. That's going to be a foundation I rely on this season, and those were specific areas I wanted to elevate," he added.

Queta also shared his perspective on Mitchell Robinson and their transition from rivals to Celtics teammates: "Mitch is an awesome guy to be around. He's going to make us so much better, and I'm far more thrilled to have him as a teammate than going against him. He provides a whole new dynamic and allows us to dominate the glass on another level. He can practically guard one through five. He's great to have in your corner, and I think he can help propel us to the next tier."

When discussing how he, Robinson, and Luka Garza complement one another, Queta highlighted their shared identity: "Toughness, physicality—that's something all three of us excel at. We're all very down-to-earth, and that brings us together. And I can't leave out Amari [Williams] or Chris [Cenac]. 'Big Men U' is exciting, and they'll bring confidence game in and game out whenever their names are called. Whenever that is, I have 100 percent faith they'll answer the bell," he concluded with a laugh, acknowledging he had just coined the phrase on the fly.

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