Celtics’ G League Coach Gushes Over Rookie Hugo Gonzalez

Hugo Gonzalez joined the Boston Celtics as the 28th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old forward entered the NBA with two years of professional experience, having developed at Real Madrid in Spain.

That professional development has been clear to see in the opening weeks of the NBA season, as Gonzalez has flashed significant potential, especially on defense. During a recent interview with Bobby Manning of CLNS Media, Maine Celtics head coach Phil Pressey shared his thoughts on why the rookie has made such a strong impression in his 12 outings so far.

“I think a lot of his behaviors or habits were learned in Europe,” Pressey said. “…He’s more mature than a 19-year-old would be, so it’s pretty cool to see him having an impact at such a young age…If you go back and watch summer league, he’s diving for loose basketballs. He’s giving it his all, he’s getting steals, he’s getting deflections. He’s fearless…So he does a great job of locking in, being engaged, and his focus level is elite.”

Joe Mazzulla has been taking things slow with Gonzalez. The rookie saw five minutes of playing time during the Celtics’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. He didn’t play in the previous two games, either. However, Mazzulla has trusted Gonzalez with sizable minutes on occasion, including his 22 during the team’s Oct. 24 loss to the New York Knicks.

Gonzalez faces an uphill battle for playing time in Boston. He’s fighting against Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott for a spot in the rotation. Things will get even tougher once Jayson Tatum returns from his Achilles tendon injury.

Nevertheless, the rookie is clearly impressing with his professional approach and desire to continue improving. It’s also important to remember that he’s still getting acclimated to life in a new country and a higher level of competition. His development will take some time.

Gonzalez’s NBA career is in its infancy. He’s going to have some ups and downs, and he could even spend some time with Pressey in Maine. Still, he’s an exciting young prospect, and right now, it looks like the sky is the limit for how good he can become.