Current NBA Players from Portugal (2023-2024)
Basketball players carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces and Portugal is no different.
The same holds true for the fan base. There’s an added thrill in supporting a player who shares the same local stomping grounds, especially when that athlete plays for the team you root for above all others.
We scoured through NBA.com rosters to extract the home states or, in some instances, the home countries of every player listed on the active rosters of each team.
Our findings included 1 player originating from the country of Portugal.
NBA Players from Portugal
Below is a “list” of the one player on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometown and the respective team they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neemias Queta | Lisbon | Portugal | Boston Celtics |
Player Bios
Here is a little more information on the lone player from Portugal in the NBA.
Neemias Queta
Hometown: Barreiro, Portugal
Neemias Queta, from Barreiro, Portugal, has started to make his presence known in the NBA as a promising center. Queta’s basketball journey began in Portugal, where he played for Benfica’s youth teams.
He then moved to the United States to play college basketball at Utah State University, where he quickly made a name for himself with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. Selected in the 2nd round (39th overall) of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Queta is known for his imposing size, defensive skills, and potential as a rim protector.
While adapting to the NBA, he has shown promise with his ability to impact the game defensively, alter shots, and contribute on the boards. Queta’s development is being closely watched as he brings a unique skill set and international experience to the Kings.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Portugal to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home country, a testament to the talent and determination that Portugal instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Portugal continues to shine on the national stage. To the fans back home, these players are more than just athletes; they are local heroes, each with a story that resonates with the dreams of young ballers across the country.
As the season unfolds, we will watch their stories develop further, cheering for not only the skills they display but also the communities they represent. The spirit of Portugal basketball is alive and well in the NBA, and perhaps, in the cheers of the crowd, the players can hear a little bit of home calling back to them.
