The biggest surprise for the Boston Celtics this season has been the outstanding rookie play of Hugo Gonzalez, according to CLNS Media's Bobby Manning.
"Few would've predicted him playing at all and he's giving Boston good minutes almost every night," Manning asserted on Friday. "Isn't going to step foot in Maine this year (except maybe for a visit and a dinner)."
I don't think there's a bigger surprise this season than Hugo González for the #Celtics. Few would've predicted him playing at all and he's giving Boston good minutes almost every night. Isn't going to step foot in Maine this year (except maybe for a visit and a dinner).
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) February 20, 2026
Gonzalez, the 20-year-old Spanish wing drafted 28th overall by the Celtics in 2025 out of Real Madrid, has carved out a meaningful role in his first NBA season.
The 6-foot-6 rookie has appeared in 49 games off the bench, averaging 15.2 minutes, 3.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.6 steals per game. He's shooting 46.0 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from three and 47.6 percent from the free-throw line.
Gonzalez delivers outsized value beyond the box score. Among players logging at least 15 minutes per game, his net rating of +17.6 tops the entire league. He also owns the highest plus-minus per game of any rookie since the metric began in the 1996-97 season, ahead of names such as Tim Duncan! Boston’s offense and defense both improve noticeably with the former Real Madrid prospect on the floor, a testament to his rebounding, perimeter defense and basketball IQ.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has repeatedly praised Gonzalez’s instincts and competitiveness, which have kept him in the regular rotation on a contending roster. The Madrid native has shown steady offensive progress, recording five double-digit scoring games in the past two months and delivering a clutch overtime three-pointer to tie the score against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23.
The young forward’s energy, versatility and rapid adaptation have made him a quiet asset for the Celtics as they navigate a wildly successful re-tool.
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