Insider reveals Celtics' plan for first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez

The Celtics have drafted Spanish guard/forward Hugo Gonzalez with the 28th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

A source tells Jonathan Givony of ESPN that Boston intends to keep the pick and plans to have Gonzalez on the roster in 2025-26.

Gonzalez, 19, had a limited role off the bench in 2024-25 with Real Madrid, which competes in both the EuroLeague and Liga ACB. In 29 domestic appearances, he averaged 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game, with a shooting slash line of .444/.271/.773.

While the 6-foot-6 wing has a strong frame and showed brief flashes of lottery-type upside, he was hamstrung by his lack of playing time and erratic shooting, writes Givony.

Gonzalez’s offensive calling card is in transition where he’s an aggressive scorer, according to Givony, who says the teenager’s main strengths at this point are his NBA-ready body and versatility on defense.

Assuming the Celtics do bring Gonzalez over immediately, he would bring energy, athleticism and toughness off the bench. Boston has undergone major changes this offseason, trading away starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to get under the second tax apron after Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs.