Spanish Basketball Legend Reveals Why Celtics Fans Will Love Hugo González
After losing Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and likely Al Horford this offseason, the Boston Celtics are counting on some of their young players to step up and fill the void next season.
That includes first-round draft pick Hugo González, who was drafted from Spain with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old struggled with his shot in Summer League and still has a lot to prove, but Spanish basketball legend and former NBA player Rudy Fernández believes he’s going to be a great fit for Boston.
Fernández played with González on Real Madrid and liked what he saw from his young teammate.
“Hugo stood out in the youth ranks of Real Madrid and the national team because of his physical tools and his scoring ability,” Fernández told Zack Cox of The Boston Herald.
Fernández was also impressed by González’s curiosity and desire to get better, especially at the non-scoring aspects of his game.
“He was always asking questions and paying close attention to everything around him to fit in and keep learning,” Fernández said. “He wanted to develop every area of his game to become a complete player, not just focus on one thing.”
That dedication seems to have paid off, as González is a well-rounded player who rebounds, passes, defends and plays hard.
He also appears to have absorbed a lot of wisdom and advice from older players, as Fernández thinks he’s wise beyond his years.
“Hugo is very smart, and that gives him a level of maturity beyond his years,” Fernández said.
Fernández is excited to see what González will do in Boston and believes Celtics fans will quickly grow to love and appreciate his intensity, passion and work ethic.
“I’m convinced they’ll form a special bond with him because he’s going to give everything he has in every moment of the game, and I know Celtics fans will appreciate that,” Fernández said.