Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta said he has no interest in paying $100,000 for a week of training with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
Queta made the comments in a recent interview with the Portuguese newspaper A Bola. He was asked whether his new contract would make him more open to spending that amount on post move sessions with the former Houston Rockets star.
Queta replied that he is careful with money. “I don’t spend $100,000 on training,” he said. “Not even with Hakeem Olajuwon.”
The 27 year old Portuguese player recently signed a 4 year, $56 million contract extension with the Celtics. Last season he posted career best averages of 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while contributing as a backup big man.
Olajuwon has long offered private training focused on footwork and post skills to current NBA centers and forwards. Several players have worked with him in past offseasons. Queta indicated he prefers other approaches to development.
He plans to focus on areas such as ball handling, post play, spacing, jump shooting, and defense. Queta also mentioned continuing work with the Celtics coaching staff and participating in activities connected to youth basketball in Portugal.
Queta has developed within the Boston system since joining the team. The Celtics organization has provided him with consistent coaching and opportunities in a competitive roster.
Queta remains under contract with Boston as the team prepares for the upcoming season. He is expected to continue competing for minutes in the frontcourt rotation.