Celtics could use Hugo Gonzalez to quiet doubts on controversial offseason move

The Boston Celtics made a controversial choice to trade Jaylen Brown to their biggest rival this offseason, but that move was preceded by what might just be an even more unpopular decision, which was to pump the brakes on their Giannis Antetokounmpo trade pursuit by not making their younger commodities available for the Bucks in their return package.

One player whom the Celtics did not want to part ways with was Hugo Gonzalez, who only had a minor role with the team in his rookie season. As such, most people were baffled by their resistance to including him in their trade offer for the Greek Freak, who instead ended up getting shipped to the Miami Heat.

Fortunately for Boston, it appears that Gonzalez might just have what it takes to help his team quiet the naysayers about their divisive move.

Hugo Gonzalez can push the Celtics to truly move past their Giannis trade miss

The Celtics are still reckoned as a contender, but having Giannis would have pushed them into becoming definitive title favorites. That being said, all hope is not lost for this team to be an elite squad this season.

Gonzales, who showed glimpses of being an elite defender in his rookie year, seems to be taking a major step toward becoming a two-way player with this improved offensive profile. Now, he is upping his volume as a three-point shooter, which is what Boston's offensive scheme requires.

The team's roster construction gives it a high ceiling. The Celtics are filled with capable volume shooters who can defend multiple positions, and Gonzales is one of those featured players. 

Obviously, missing out on Giannis is not something that Gonzales alone can erase from memory. But if he can give the Celtics what they need and the team succeeds, the front office will be vindicated for their decision not to part with the young forward.