LAS VEGAS — Hugo Gonzalez showed flashes of why the Celtics took him 28th overall in the 2025 draft in his Summer League debut. He’s a versatile player and his energy was evident as he impacted the game on multiple fronts. There’s a lot to like about his game considering he’s still just 19 years old.
But the rookie endured the necessary growing pains in his second game, the Celtics’ loss to the Heat on Monday. He finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists in his 27 minutes. But the six turnovers and seven personal fouls popped out, as did the 3-for-12 shooting (1-for-7 on 3-pointers), as he struggled for stretches.
“If I’m having a bad game, I’m having it,” Gonzalez said. “I’m not looking for excuses. Today, I got a lot of turnovers and bad decisions. A lot of fouls. I wasn’t playing like how I should play or they’re expecting me to play. So, no excuses for that. Just try to clean up my mind and work for the next game.”
Gonzalez’s career won’t be defined by what happens over the course of some Summer League games. He’ll be with the Celtics this fall after signing his rookie contract, and those reps with the main club will be important going forward. Gonzalez has plenty of development still left in his career, but these bumps in Summer League are always good steps in that growth.
Even though Gonzalez didn’t play well overall, he still made some solid plays late. He soared high for an offensive rebound and put-back layup, then he drew a charge a few moments later. So there were still some minor bright spots. But it was clear Gonzalez’s frustration mounted throughout the game as he spoke to himself after some tough moments.
“I’m trying to have positive message to my mind after a turnover or missed shot,” Gonzalez said. “I’m trying to have the mindset of, ‘I have to take the best decision next play.’ But, yes, try to live with the mistake — that is what basketball means.”
While Summer League games are exhibition contests, it also allows the Celtics to feature their first-round pick and put him in tough situations. Since he can do so much to impact the game, it means the Celtics get to see how he reacts or handles an added workload. That won’t be the case with the NBA club considering he’ll be buried down the depth chart.
Regardless, Gonzalez will likely have a chance to bounce back with the C’s having two more Summer League games. He’s already featured what makes him a tantalizing prospect, so one poor game doesn’t change much. But it’s clear he’s tough on himself as that’s also part of the process of getting better.
“I think he just struggled with some shots,” C’s Summer League coach Matt Reynolds said. “But we’re asking him to do the same thing every game. That’s impact the ball on defense. Active shifts. Rebound. Handle. Screen. Cut off-ball. He’s such a versatile player you want to put him in all these spots and just didn’t have it for much of the game. But I still think he made a bunch of big plays for us.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.