MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 08: Javon Small #10 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against Hugo González #28 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of a preseason game at FedExForum on October 08, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Wednesday, the Boston Celtics tipped off their preseason slate with a 121-103 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Among the standout performances was the one 19-year-old rookie Hugo Gonzalez delivered.
The 28th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft registered eight points, three rebounds, a trio of blocks, and a steal in his 18:24 on the hardwood at FedExForum.
What was on display at both ends of the floor was the high-revving motor Gonzalez plays with. That’s paramount to him cultivating a path to playing time. While acclimating to a new country off the court, he’s adapting to a dramatically different approach on it.
The former Real Madrid wing is accustomed to a playing style in the ACB that’s patient and methodical. It’s one predicated on constant cutting and movement in an attempt to cause a defensive breakdown. The NBA operates at a pace of play that now resembles NASCAR. The best shot will often come early in the clock; players don’t hesitate to hoist those.
As he adapts, his motor will allow him to find success. In the ACB, he proved strong enough to dislodge defenders on downhill attacks. That strength, which he figures to continue building in a manner that maximizes on-court functionality, will help him at both ends of the court.
Furthermore, the six-foot-six wing has a six-foot-seven wingspan that feeds into his defensive versatility and disruptiveness. As teammate Jordan Walsh noted after just a few sessions leading up to Summer League, “He plays hard; really hard. Fans are going to love that,” voiced the now third-year wing. “He plays hard. He dives on the floor. He’s a defensive menace.”
The engine fueling that propelled the Celtics’ rookie to an encouraging debut in his first exhibition contest.
A deep dive into Hugo Gonzalez’s preseason debut
A common sight in Wednesday’s matchup was Gonzalez receiving pointers from head coach Joe Mazzulla.
“Basically, correcting things that, obviously, as a 19-year-old that is playing his first game in the NBA, I’ve got a lot of things to correct, and he was just trying to give me live feedback from things that I need to improve,” shared Gonzalez post-game.
It reflected the importance of winning with effort as he learns on the fly. What it resulted in was plays like his two-handed swat of a John Konchar pass in transition, forcing a turnover that led to him flushing home a one-handed slam.
Another encouraging sign from him offensively was that he shot with confidence, rather than hesitation. It’s the continuation of an approach he sustained throughout Summer League while adapting to a three-point line that’s further back than it is in the ACB.
Gonzalez attempted two shots from behind the arc. He connected on one where he lifted him from the corner as Sam Hauser drove, then knocked down a three over the extended arm of Konchar.
At the defensive end of the floor, his impact was even easier to detect. The Madrid native stayed attached to Jaylen Wells on a downhill drive, then blocked his layup attempt after trying to euro-step his way to two points. Grizzlies’ center PJ Hall pushed him afterward, but he appeared unbothered by the extracurricular activity. If anything, he relished it.
Just over 30 seconds later, Cedric Coward, the 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, couldn’t create separation from Gonzalez either when he tried to dislodge him after rejecting a screen and breaking to the rim. The Celtics’ rookie then utilized his length to block Coward’s try at the basket.
His third rejection earned him a Tommy Point, hustling in transition for a chase-down block on Javon Small.
It was a prime example of the motor that will propel Hugo Gonzalez as he acclimates to the NBA. His feel for the game is impressive. The more that applies to his play on basketball’s highest level, the further he’ll establish himself in Boston’s rotation.