Keon Ellis knew that Neemias Queta had what it took to succeed in the NBA

Keon Ellis knew that Neemias Queta had what it took to succeed in the NBA
Keon Ellis knew that Neemias Queta had what it took to succeed in the NBA

Neemias Queta’s breakout season with the Boston Celtics this year took many fans and team analysts by surprise. But if you ask former Sacramento Kings teammate Keon Ellis, Queta is simply refining the same game he was bringing to the Kings before that team decided to leave him for the obvious benefit of the Celtics.

“We had a really good team and we played together…” Ellis said after his Kings lost to the Celtics at TD Garden on Friday (Jan. 30) night. “He’s just a great player at what he does, protecting the rim, being a great screen setter and roller. So, yeah, everything he’s doing now, it was the same thing back then. So I’m glad to see him doing it.”

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As for whether he saw the starting-caliber big man in the Queta game when both were preparing for Sacramento, Ellis didn’t hesitate.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 9: RJ Hampton #13 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Neemias Queta #88, Keon Ellis #34 and Jared Rhoden #32 of the Sacramento Kings during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: The user expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading or using this photograph, the user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

“Oh, yeah, absolutely,” the Kings guard recalled. “Rim protector, he rolls a lot, a lot of teams can use him and need guys like that, so definitely.”

“We both knew he was going to come in, I think it was actually our first preseason game together in Los Angeles, and we both knew we were going to kill in the G League. So, yeah, it was a lot of fun playing with him.”

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Keon Ellis knew Neemias Queta had what it took to succeed in the NBA

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