Neemias Queta just signed a $56 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. You’d think that kind of paycheck might make a guy a little looser with his wallet. You’d be wrong.
In a recent interview with A Bola, the Celtics center was asked if his new deal would make him more willing to drop $100,000 on a week of post-move training with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Olajuwon has become one of the most sought-after offseason instructors in basketball, with everyone from LeBron James to Kobe Bryant paying for his footwork tutorials over the years.
Queta’s answer was blunt: “I’m cheap.”
The reporter followed up. Even with Olajuwon? Not even a little bit?
“Not even with Hakeem Olajuwon,” Queta said.
No disrespect to the Dream. Queta just isn’t the type to blow six figures on a week of basketball camp, even if it’s run by one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He’d rather grind through the Celtics’ player development system and put in the work on his own time.
What Queta Is Actually Working On
Queta isn’t sitting still this offseason. He’s got a long list of priorities. On defense, he’s focused on switching onto smaller players and holding his own without help. On offense, he wants to tighten his handle, create more looks in the low post, and develop a more consistent jump shot.
“Defensively, I’m working hard on switching and being more able to hold my own against smaller players in one-on-one situations without help,” Queta said. “Offensively, it’s about having the ball in my hands. Being able to have tighter ball control, being able to create one-on-one situations in the low post, spacing the field, having a more consistent shot, and having a greater offensive impact.”
That’s a full plate for a big man who averaged 5.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game last season. But the Celtics clearly see something they like. They locked him up for four years this summer.
The Money Wasn’t the Point
For Queta, the dollar figure on that extension wasn’t the headline. It was the security. He said the long-term commitment from Boston means more than the money itself.
“Yes, for me, the money wasn’t the most important thing at all,” Queta said. “The most important thing was knowing that Boston believed in me for another four years. I’ll be able to continue calling Boston home for that entire time, without having to look over my shoulder. Without having to worry about the next season.”
He talked about the uncertainty that comes with being a free agent. The hassle of managing a year around potential injuries, not knowing where you’ll be playing. Queta doesn’t have to deal with that anymore. At least for a while.
So no, he won’t be spending $100,000 on Olajuwon’s post camp. But with a secured role and a development staff that believes in him, Queta thinks he can get where he needs to go without cutting that check. He’s cheap. But he might also be right.
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