It took a while to get there, but Hugo Gonzalez managed to impress Celtics brass and teammates during Summer League play. The confidence he gained could help lead him to a bright future in Boston.
The 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Gonzalez started slow during the Summer League. However, he picked things up when it mattered most, scoring 24 points against the Kings in an 82-76 win.
His other stats included:
10 rebounds
5 assists
1 steal
8-18 FG
3-3 FT
It was not a perfect outing, shooting 3-for-9 from beyond the three-point line. All things considered, the rest of the stats prove the 20-year-old can be a major player for the Celtics down the road.
The Spanish player only competed in a few games during the Summer League, averaging over 18 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. But, Gonzalez stepped up when it mattered most.
“He’s a pro,” coach Amile Jefferson said to CLNS Media via Celtics Blog, “and I think he’s actually just a bigger guy. You saw it last season, putting him on team’s five, play him one through five, just whoever the best player is, because he can not only be physical, but he’s very mobile.”
Hugo Gonzalez’s growth is showing
In his first NBA season, Gonzalez, starting in three games, averaged 3.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. Soon after, he suited up for the Spanish national team for FIBA qualifying games. He also played in the Summer League.
Ready to prove he belongs in Boston, it’s been no days off for Gonzalez.
“In the summer, I think he’s worked on all facets of his game,” Jefferson stated. “That’s on and off the court, and that has to do with his body. So I think everyone has seen his improvements.”
ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t come to fruition because the Celtics didn't want to trade Gonzalez or Baylor Scheierman. Ultimately, Antetokounmpo was traded to the Heat.
The Celtics see something in Gonzalez. He could potentially have a bigger role with the team now that Jaylen Brown is on the 76ers and Jayson Tatum officially leading the team.
After Celtics brass discussed his value in off-court dealings, it’s up to him to prove why they were right on the court.
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