Sacramento Kings rookie Neemias Queta will become the first player from Portugal to play in the NBA once he steps out onto the court this season, the 75th in league history.
The NBA on Tuesday announced that 109 international players from 39 countries are featured on opening-night rosters. In addition to those 109 players, there are a record 12 international players from seven countries on two-way contracts, including Queta.
Queta, who was born in Barreiro, was the 39th overall selection by the Kings. He joined the organization after becoming the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year last season at Utah State, averaging 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals.
He was the first-ever Portuguese player drafted in the NBA.
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Queta logged just one appearance with the Kings during the preseason, recording two points and one rebound in three minutes. He may not see much time, at least to start the season, but should eventually see the court and become the first Portuguese player in the NBA.
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