Neemias Queta just cashed in, big time, signing a massive 4-year, $56 million extension with the Celtics, a deal that completely reshapes his future. Just a few days removed from putting pen to paper on that life-changing money, the 7-footer made an appearance at Summer League practice, but it was a world away from his past struggles. It’s wild to think about how far this guy has come, from fighting for a roster spot to a long-term commitment.
The Grind Was Real, But the Payday Is Surreal
Back in July 2021, Queta first showed up in Las Vegas for Summer League rocking a Sacramento Kings uniform. He was just 21, drafted in the second round, and honestly, it was the start of a legit fight to even stick in the NBA. He put up 5 points and 4.5 rebounds over five games that first summer. You saw flashes, sure, but there was zero guarantee he'd ever make it big. This guy played in three more Summer Leagues after that first one, two with the Kings and then one with the Celtics. There were moments when he was absolutely dominant, owning the floor. But let's be real, there were also brutal setbacks, like getting cut by the Kings and feeling like he was back at square one, fighting all over again. That's a tough pill to swallow when you're chasing a dream. Fast forward to last week, though, and stepping into the Celtics’ Summer League practice was a totally different vibe for Queta. He wasn't there to prove himself; he was there as a special guest, getting in an individual workout with assistant coach Tony Dobbins and others. He shook hands with some of the current Celtics players, guys who are in the exact same spot he once was, scrapping for their NBA lives. Can you imagine that full-circle moment? He even greeted Joe Mazzulla, the same coach who sometimes gets on him from the sidelines, but also flew all the way to Portugal this summer to learn about Queta’s childhood. Queta called that experience "surreal." Talk about trust and commitment from the coaching staff, right?Boston Is Home, And The Future Is Bright
When the Celtics tipped off their Summer League opener, Queta wasn’t on the court fighting for minutes. No, he was chilling on the sidelines as a spectator for the very first time, cheering on the Summer League squad right alongside teammates Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, and Jordan Walsh. "It's been a long time," Queta said, reflecting on his journey. "I've been wishing for something like that to happen, and [it] coming down in this moment is really special." You can just feel the emotion in that quote, knowing what it took to get here. Derrick White, who’s been teammates with Queta since 2023, didn't hold back either, saying he was overjoyed when he found out Queta got his payday. That's genuine camaraderie right there! It's clear Boston is where Queta wants to be. "I couldn't be happier to be in Boston for much more time," Queta added. "It's my home, so I'm excited for the future." For a guy who had to grind through four Summer Leagues and get cut just to get to this point, knowing he's secured long-term stability and a place he calls home? That's what it's all about. This contract means Queta is officially a cornerstone piece for the Celtics moving forward, and that future looks absolutely electric.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.