The Boston Celtics’ plans in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft were the subject of trade rumors. However, Brad Stevens remained at No. 28 overall and chose EuroLeague guard Hugo Gonzalez instead of moving up.
In 2024, Gonzalez was a member of Real Madrid, the squad that Luka Doncic and other well-known players helped build before making their NBA debut. Gonzalez doesn’t seem to have the same impact as a player like Doncic, but his background in one of the world’s most competitive basketball leagues may help him adjust to the NBA.
Gonzalez weighs 205 pounds and is 6′ 6″. Austin Reeves (6-foot-5, 197), who became a starting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, shares his profile. Coach Chus Mateo praised Gonzalez early in the season despite the fact that he only played an average of 11 minutes per game in the EuroLeague.
Mateo stated in October 2024 that he “has the potential to be great, and I’m certain of it.” When his moment arrives, he will be brilliant.
Hugo Gonzalez contributes exceptional athletic prowess, defensive adaptability, intense play, and winning traits on both ends of the court. He moves the ball selflessly, flying out energetically in transition, and wreaking havoc in passing lanes and as a rim-protector.Nbc1zFapai https://t.co/NZt7IgQmrKpic.twitter.com
Gonzales carries on the Celtics’ previous draft selection pattern, which emphasizes positional size, defensive prowess, and unrealized potential. Prior to being selected by Boston, guards Jordan Walsh and Baylor Schierman, as well as center Neemias Queta, all had comparable profiles.
The Celtics have already traded away two of their championship pieces, Kristaps Porzingis and Julius Holiday, thus the 2025–26 season is rife with uncertainty. According to NBA insiders, Boston is at least considering offers for Derrick White and Jaylen Brown.
Additionally, there may be plenty of minutes available for younger players as Jayson Tatum is expected to miss almost the whole 2025–26 season. Gonzalez may therefore be able to contribute to Boston’s rotation in the near future, but training camp will focus on improving his jump shooting to fit Joe Mazzulla’s style of play.
Gonzalez was selected, bringing Boston’s roster to six guards: Schierman, Walsh, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, and White. As of right now, J.D. Davidson is a free agent.
On the first night, the Celtics had to wait more than two hours to select, but they won’t have to wait long for their second-round pick. Soon after the NBA Draft starts on Thursday night, Boston will be on the clock once more at No. 32 overall.
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