The Boston Celtics possess picks No. 28 and 32 in the 2025 NBA Draft. As Hardwood Houdini continues its deep dive into prospects projected to go in that range, meet one of the top international prospects in the class. Hugo Gonzalez is a six-foot-six wing coming off a campaign with Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old's season likely didn't go as he hoped, but he still showcased enough to hear his name called in the first round -- possibly by the Celtics. HoopsHype's aggregated mock draft has the Phoenix Suns selecting him with pick No. 29.
It's impressive that someone Gonzalez's age even made Real Madrid's senior team. However, that meant trying to develop his game under challenging conditions.
He only played 11 minutes per contest across 62 tilts. He received seven starts. There were also times he didn't make the 12-player roster.
Gonzalez averaged 3.6 points and 1.8 rebounds. He shot 42 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arc on 1.3 three-point attempts.
Now for a deep dive into his strengths and weaknesses, including his swing skill, that illustrates why his statistics are as misleading as they are underwhelming.
Hugo Gonzalez's offensive profile
Gonzalez's inconsistent playing time will make it difficult for teams to decide how much stock to put into his physical traits, athleticism, and flashes of what he brings to the table.
When it's going well, you see a prospect with good floor vision and an encouraging feel for the game.
The Madrid native is a smooth athlete who will long-stride his way into consistently getting into the paint. He's shifty with the ball in his hands, will seek out contact as he drives, and already has the strength to bump defenders to get separation.
Gonzalez finishes well around the rim and creates quality scoring chances for his teammates off the dribble. He delivers pocket passes and lobs with touch and precision and throws skip passes on time and target.
His activity off the ball is also encouraging. He has a good feel for when to cut from the slot or dart from the baseline. As someone who consistently crashes the offensive glass, this also lends itself to Gonzalez's ability to generate second-chance opportunities and put-back dunks.
Hugo Gonzalez's defensive profile
Gonzalez plays with a high-revving motor and endearing effort on the defensive end of the floor. He can capably guard multiple positions and does a good job of challenging and disrupting shots.
When it's going well, you see a prospect with good floor vision and an encouraging feel for the game.
The Madrid native is a smooth athlete who will long-stride his way into consistently getting into the paint. He's shifty with the ball in his hands, will seek out contact as he drives, and already has the strength to bump defenders to get separation.
Gonzalez finishes well around the rim and creates quality scoring chances for his teammates off the dribble. He delivers pocket passes and lobs with touch and precision and throws skip passes on time and target.
His activity off the ball is also encouraging. He has a good feel for when to cut from the slot or dart from the baseline. As someone who consistently crashes the offensive glass, this also lends itself to Gonzalez's ability to generate second-chance opportunities and put-back dunks.
Hugo Gonzalez's defensive profile
Gonzalez plays with a high-revving motor and endearing effort on the defensive end of the floor. He can capably guard multiple positions and does a good job of challenging and disrupting shots.
The six-foot-six wing with a six-foot-seven wingspan also utilizes his length as an effective weak-side rim protector.
His aggression can lead to undisciplined fouls, but more positives than negatives stem from his approach.
Hugo Gonzalez's swing skills
It will be a challenge and figures to require fine-tuning his shooting mechanics and a quicker release. However, it's paramount that Gonzalez develops into a better long-range shooter. Converting on 30 percent at a low volume won't help his pursuit of more consistent playing time.
He must also make significant strides in taking care of the ball. Sometimes, those giveaways stemmed from an ill-advised decision. An area that stood out was the turnovers while trying to dribble through congested spaces.
He finished the season with 39 assists and 37 turnovers. That ratio won't cut it.
Is Hugo Gonzalez a fit for the Celtics?
A high-risk, high-reward gamble on a young, unproven prospect might be one Boston wants to avoid. Furthermore, the concerns about Gonzalez as a shooter could deter the team that launched the most threes in the league last season from drafting him.
But the upside, feel for the game, and physical traits are encouraging signs of the player he could become. If he maintains his defensive motor and versatility, what he brings on both ends warrants opportunities.
Gonzalez's best fit might ultimately be with a younger team that's patient about letting him play through his mistakes and growing pains as his game matures.
