Neemias Queta on his 6th NBA season: "With the same hunger and greater responsibility"

After signing a new contract with the Boston Celtics, valued at approximately €50 million, 27-year-old Neemias Queta insists his ambition remains intact as he heads into his sixth NBA season.

Speaking to the Lusa agency at the Millennium Estoril Open, the Portuguese center assured that his recent four-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics brings "greater responsibility" but does not change his competitive mindset.

"I'm someone who doesn't want to stand still; hopefully, this is just the beginning. I continue to work with the same drive, with the same hunger, and I believe the future is what's most important. I have a bright future ahead of me if I maintain that same hunger," he emphasized.

The new contract represents a significant vote of confidence from the team. "Above all, it's a greater responsibility; the trust placed in me is even more significant. I won't change the way I act or think, but in terms of responsibility, I will have a different role on the team. I think my head is in the right place. Just play basketball, and the rest, the responsibility, will take care of itself," he added.

Neemias viewed coach Joe Mazzulla's recent visit to Portugal as another sign of support: "Knowing that he came here to get to know me, to see my roots, says a lot about the person he is. It's great for me to have that kind of trust from my coach, and now I just have to repay it on the court."

The offseason brought significant changes for the Celtics, with Jaylen Brown departing for the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade involving Paul George. Neemias lamented the departure of one of his "best friends on the team" but approaches the situation pragmatically. "It's part of the business, and you always have to be ready for it," he stated, explaining that the focus must be on the present and "being ready to welcome new teammates."

When asked about LeBron James joining the same 76ers, the Portuguese center remained focused on the immediate challenges: "Worrying about what's coming down the road doesn't concern us much. Right now, we're just preparing for the season, preparing for the national team, and after that, when the national team duties are over, then we'll prepare for the LeBrons, the Wembys, the Giannises, and everyone else."