Actual Madrid has produced a number of good NBA gamers over time, and the Boston Celtics are hoping Hugo Gonzalez will eventually join that list.
The Celtics chosen Gonzalez with the No. 28 decide within the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday evening. There have been rumors earlier within the day that Boston had interest in trading up, however the C’s in the end remained at No. 28 and made the decide. Judging by the trades that did occur, the worth to maneuver up was fairly excessive.
Gonzalez must work on his 3-point taking pictures, however the 19-year-old wing must be a very good match for the Celtics defensively given his athleticism, size and competitiveness.
“Only a huge fan of how he performs,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens informed reporters Wednesday evening. “He’s robust. He’s laborious taking part in. He cuts. He goes after the ball. He competes. He has all of the intangibles of a successful basketball participant.”
What do the specialists consider the Gonzalez decide for the Celtics? Here is a roundup of draft grades:
Grade: C+
“Whereas this initially appeared like a possible draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics, it’s potential that Spain’s González might come to america and play within the NBA as quickly as subsequent season. With the longest arms of anybody measured on the 2025 NBA Draft Mix and a wingspan practically 6-foot-11, he has good bodily expertise, even when his play on the court docket is certainly considerably inconsistent.”
Grade: A-
“Gonzalez noticed his inventory fall all year long after failing to safe constant taking part in time at Actual Madrid, however a yr in the past presently he was thought-about maybe the perfect worldwide participant on this class. His motor is elite, as is his versatility on the defensive finish. It is a robust buy-low wager for a Celtics crew searching for worth on inexpensive contracts.”
Grade: B-
“Gonzalez had a giant early popularity within the Actual Madrid system. He is a giant wing with stable measurement and a excessive motor and defensive upside, particularly on the ball. The protection is the intrigue right here as his finest offense is in transition. The taking pictures is the swing ability — he shot simply 29% final yr. Boston shoots a variety of threes, so he’ll want to indicate enchancment there to actually stick to the Celtics.”
Grade: B
“It is a transitional offseason for the Celtics, who’ve made a number of trades within the lead-up to the draft. They now add a professional with an NBA-ready sport and body.
“Gonzalez, 19, measures at 6-6 and 205 kilos and is coming off a championship season with Actual Madrid. There is a chance for him to play straight away in Boston with obtainable minutes on the perimeter and he has comparable strengths to a different latest Celtics draft decide in Jordan Walsh.”
Trending Merchandise
