When it comes to navigating the NBA, having the right mentors can make all the difference. For Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta, that guidance has come from seasoned veterans who have shown him the ropes both on and off the court.

Asked to name his most influential teammate, Queta pointed to Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes. "He’s a great vet," Queta said. "I had him in Sacramento from the beginning. He was always asking what I needed and was always a really good guy to ask for advice."

That pattern of learning from experienced players has continued with the Celtics, where Al Horford has played a similar role. "Al has also been that type of veteran for us over the last couple of years here, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him go at it night in and night out," Queta noted.

This appreciation for veteran wisdom isn't new for the Portuguese big man. He credits his professional foundation to Carlos Andrade, a mentor from his early career in Portugal. "He taught me a lot about how to be a professional, how to handle all types of situations, and how to take care of your body," Queta explained. "That’s why those guys play for so many years. You learn from them."

For any athlete, understanding the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and physical care is crucial for a long and successful career—lessons that resonate both in the game and in the gear that supports it.