You’re not going to fully understand Boston Celtics rookie Hugo González’s impact by looking at basic stats. He’s averaging just 3.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game this season in nine games (13.7 minutes per game). You will, however, gain an appreciation for González if you watch him play basketball for even a couple of possessions. It doesn’t take long to realize how much effort González exerts on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a reason head coach Joe Mazzulla prioritized the 19-year-old over Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman in Boston’s rotation to begin the season. It’s not just about González’s physical gifts, either (which are considerable). It’s the Spaniard’s attitude and motor that make him a special defender. He never gives up on a play, and he starts thinking about defense sooner than anyone else. Watch González whenever the Celtics make a bucket. As soon as the ball is passing through the net (and hasn’t even landed yet!), González has already located his man and is in position to pick up full court. He’s different. On a few occasions, González’s defensive mindset has come through in his interviews. Following Boston’s loss to the New York Knicks earlier in the season, González corrected a reporter who suggested that González had played a good defensive game. Jalen Brunson had scored 31 points, González pointed out, which meant that it wasn’t a good defensive game for anyone on the Celtics, including himself. People inside the Celtics facility know how special González is and can become. It’s not taking long for people outside to notice that, either. And despite Hugo’s limited sample size in the NBA, some advanced stats are already picking up his defensive impact. Celtics reporter Taylor Snow shared one on Sunday night following Boston’s win over the Orlando Magic. Per Snow, González has the best defensive rating among rookies who have played at least 100 minutes. Story continues below advertisement Hugo Gonzalez has by far the best defensive rating among rookies who have played at least 100 minutes:1. Hugo Gonzalez – 104.32. Dylan Harper – 108.13. Cedric Coward – 110.64. Collin Murray-Boyles – 110.85. Derik Queen – 111.26. Cooper Flagg – 111.8 pic.twitter.com/bpFjX8jda5— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) November 10, 2025 “He’s only 19” is a catch phrase that became synonymous with Jayson Tatum in Boston in recent years, but it can now be applied to Hugo. He’s not going to turn into a franchise player or offensive hub like Tatum did, but what he can definitely become is a key piece on a contender, not dissimilar to the role that Manu Ginobili played for the San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty. Brad Stevens nailed this pick. Hopefully, González sticks around for years to come and helps the Celtics win another title. Story continues below advertisement