The Los Angeles Lakers had big decisions to make during the 2021 NBA draft — a first-round pick and an opportunity to trade or buy a second-round pick made the future look bright for the team.
The Lakers did well drafting in the second round with players like Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker coming at No. 46 overall. Los Angeles held a draft workout session in 2021, with players like Neemias Queta in attendance — someone who was considered a major contender for the Lakers.
Neemias Queta Highlights from Lakers Draft Workout
Queta previously interviewed with the Lakers at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine and apparently did well enough there to earn a workout at the facility. The Utah State big man believes his workout went well and showed what he could do on the floor.
“First of all, the workout went pretty good. I feel like I did everything that they asked me to do, I did my part. I feel that in the league, I can translate obviously my rebounding, my shot-blocking, I can finish well around the rim. And then obviously I just got to get used to being out of the perimeter and being able to stay in front of guards.”
When he was being considered for the Lakers, Queta said he he’s someone who knows how to protect the rim and painted area.
“First of all I want to be a rim protector,” he said. “Being able to contest every shot in the paint, being able to clean up the boards, being able to be vocal and dominate around the block. …
Obviously in the NBA to be able to be out in the perimeter and stay in the ball coverages, whenever they want me to switch I feel like I did a pretty good job at that too so I think I did my part today.”
Neemias Queta Draft Update
The Lakers missed the opportunity to select someone like Queta for long-haul team development; he was selected as the 39th overall pick in the draft by the Sacramento Kings and went on to sign a two-way contract with the Kings and the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate.
Neemias Queta Stats
In his first professional NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Queta had five rebounds, one added assist, and one block. He didn’t only make moves with his stats — on this day, Queta went down in history as the first-ever Portuguese player to play in an NBA game.
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