Celtics Bet Big on Hugo González’s Grit, Defense in 2025 NBA Draft
So the 2025 NBA Draft is in the books—and for Boston fans, all eyes were on pick number 28. That’s where the Celtics made their move, selecting Hugo González, a young wing out of Real Madrid. And while he might not be a household name just yet, there’s a whole lot to unpack with this selection—and honestly, some real excitement too.
Let’s start with who Hugo González is. He’s 19 years old, 6-foot-6, 205 pounds, with a nearly 6-foot-11 wingspan. Born and raised in Madrid, Hugo’s basketball roots run deep—both of his parents played professionally in Spain. He’s been with the Real Madrid youth system since he was nine years old. That’s the same development pipeline that helped produce NBA stars like Luka Dončić. So, there’s definitely pedigree here.
Now, on paper, his stats won’t blow you away. Playing limited minutes across Liga ACB and EuroLeague games, González averaged just over 3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. He struggled shooting from deep—29% from three in the EuroLeague, and even lower in domestic play. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story.
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What caught the Celtics’ eye—and what Brad Stevens made crystal clear on draft night—is Hugo’s motor, toughness, and elite defensive instincts. He’s a guy who fights for loose balls, cuts hard without the ball, and competes on every possession. Boston fans know the value of players like that. Think Marcus Smart energy, just in a younger, longer body.
And defensively? That’s where this pick starts to make real sense. Hugo’s size, wingspan, and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions—something the Celtics love in their switch-heavy defensive schemes. He’s not just a hustle guy—he’s got real tools that project well at the NBA level.
Sure, there are concerns. His shooting needs significant work, and his offensive game is mostly in transition or off cuts right now. But the Celtics aren’t expecting him to walk in and be Jayson Tatum. They’re betting on his defensive upside and work ethic—and they’re bringing him over right away for the 2025–26 season. No overseas “draft-and-stash” plan here.
Some draft analysts gave the pick high marks. Kevin O’Connor called it a strong culture fit and praised González’s potential as a two-way wing. Others were more cautious, pointing to his inconsistent play and poor shooting. But overall, this feels like a classic “high-floor, high-effort” late first-round pick that could really pay off if Hugo develops the offensive side of his game.
And let’s not forget—this is a team coming off a season of big trades and big changes. With players like Kristaps Porziņģis reportedly on the move, Boston’s front office clearly sees value in adding young, defensive-minded depth on affordable contracts.
So, while he may not have the instant star power of a top-10 pick, Hugo González is a name Celtics fans should start getting familiar with. His journey is just beginning—but if his grit, defense, and team-first mentality carry over to the NBA, he could end up being one of the sneaky-good stories of this year’s draft class.
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