CBS’ Norlander has Suns selecting Neemias Queta in latest mock draft
Jul 11, 2021, 1:04 PM
Neemias Queta #23 of the Utah State Aggies handles the ball against Marcus Santos-Silva #14 and Kevin McCullar #15 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Assembly Hall on March 19, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
While the Phoenix Suns currently have a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals and are on the cusp of winning their first title, they could always use more talent — especially if that talent has size.
And how the Finals have shaken out so far, with two backup centers going down due to injury, added depth at the position could be something Phoenix takes a closer look at.
CBS’ Matt Norlander projects the Suns to select Utah State center Neemias Queta as the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Queta, listed at seven feet and 245 lbs, is a physical rim protector who can crash the boards at a high level.
If you don’t need shooting, youthful size is always a bonus. Queta would be a constructive addition. I think he’ll earn a second contract in 2025.
The Portugal-born prospect set multiple records in his three-year career as an Aggie.
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Queta set the school record in blocks (219) and blocks per game (2.5) and was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year twice (2019, 2021). He was also selected on the all-Mountain West First Team this past season.
But Queta isn’t just an elite defender. He can score the ball as well.
During his career at Utah State, he averaged 14.9 points per game along with his 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.3 blocks.
All in all, Queta’s size and playmaking ability around the rim make him an intriguing target for the Suns to consider late in the first round.
