After remaining mostly intact the last two years, the Boston Celtics’ roster is going to look very different next season. Veterans like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet won’t return, but there will be plenty of new faces to replace them.
One of them is Hugo González, whom the Celtics drafted last week with their first-round pick. They took him 28th overall and plan to play him next year rather than using him as a draft-and-stash prospect.
At a media appearance in Boston this week alongside fellow draftees Amari Williams and Max Shulga, González shared what it felt like to be drafted by the Celtics.
Celtics’ first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez on being drafted:“It didn’t feel real … Being drafted by the Celtics was a dream come true.” pic.twitter.com/zRHFExSPsk— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) July 1, 2025
“It didn’t feel real at all. It was a nice moment for me, of course,” González said. “Big draft class, a dream come true and everything. I’m really excited for next season…”
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The 19-year-old wing hails from Spain, where he played three seasons with Real Madrid and helped them win back-to-back Liga ACB championships. He’s been playing professionally since he was 16 and has played on Spain’s national team as well, so he has some experience on bigger stages.
While he’s still a bit raw and needs to work on his 3-point shot (especially in Joe Mazzulla’s offense), González brings a lot of athleticism, energy and potential to the table. He’ll be able to learn from championship teammates like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, which could help his development and growth.
If González stays healthy and continues to evolve as a player, perhaps he’ll be part of Boston’s next title-winning team.