“It’s a part of the business, you know?” Queta said. “It’s tough to see one of your teammates and friends go. At the end of the day it’s a part of the business and we’ve just got to stay locked in on what we can control and being able to welcome new teammates.”
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The Celtics also signed Mike Conley and Mitchell Robinson during free agency. Queta said he hasn’t spent much time worrying about how Robinson’s addition will affect his role.
“That’s a Joe [Mazzulla} thing to figure out,” Queta said. “I’m just out there welcoming my new teammates with open arms. Mitchell is going to be a great addition for us. I’m extremely happy that I don’t have to go against him any more because he used to get all these rebounds, so it’s going to be good to have him on our side.”
Queta made a career-high 76 starts last season, averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game. He said there has been plenty to work on this offseason as he continues to round out his game following his first season as a starter.
“I’ve been working on different facets of the game, being more versatile offensively, being more complete,” Queta said. “Making good decisions with the ball, whether it’s a pass, or being able to go get my own shot.”
“Defensively, being able to be in the right spots earlier, and communicate a little more. It’s the same old stuff. Spacing the floor as well, being able to shoot. It’s been a good offseason of work, and I’ve been working on pretty much everything.”
The multicolored court, designed by a team of Portuguese artists, features the words “I have a dream” painted in white on each sideline. The court also features a large green and red jersey with Queta’s No. 88 painted from the painted area of one hoop extending out just past halfcourt.
“It means everything,” King Open School principal Darrell Williams said. “First of all, it’s an example of the commitment that Neemias and the organizations that support him have given to the community. particularly the messaging on the court that says ‘I have a dream’.
“That’s what we’re trying to do with our students, to instill this idea that you can have a dream and if you work hard, you can reach your dream. To have someone who actually came from poverty reach his dream and become an example for students from a range of different backgrounds is inspiring.”
Khari Thompson can be reached at khari.thompson@globe.com.