Boston Celtics Rookie Watch - Hugo Gonzalez

Before the NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics knew that they needed to fill the role of injured All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, who would likely miss all of the 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles. Following the draft, they would also need to replace the production of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and likely Al Horford. 

When the Celtics selected 19-year-old shooting guard Hugo Gonzalez with the 28th pick, the thought was that the two-time Liga ACB champion would be slowly brought along, with the intent of grooming him for the future. With a history of selecting overseas prospects with high IQ, a high motor, and a championship pedigree from Real Madrid, the Celtics may have struck gold with this late-round selection. 

Showcasing his versatility during Summer League, filling out the stat sheet, Gonzalez quickly made the Celtics look like geniuses for drafting him. But it isn’t his shooting touch or defensive instincts that set Gonzalez apart from other rookies in his class, but his basketball maturity. Having played professionally with Real Madrid since the age of 16 and as part of Spain’s senior national team, Gonzalez brings championship experience that most rookies lack. 

With his ability to guard multiple positions and operate as a secondary playmaker, many believe that coach Joe Mazzulla will give Gonzalez significant minutes as the season progresses, especially with the loss of the aforementioned players. With the absence of significant leadership, Gonzalez’s championship experience, regardless of which side of the water it is from, helps to fill the void. 

Given the roster overhaul, there will be plenty of minutes available off the bench, with Gonzalez battling Baylor Scheierman to back up projected starter Anfernee Simons. Look for the Celtics' young rookie to play 12-14 minutes off the bench early in the season, averaging 4 to 6 points and 2 to 3 assists before potentially becoming a full-time rotational player as the season progresses.