Hugo González is quickly becoming a name Celtics fans won’t forget anytime soon. The rookie wing has brought a spark to Boston’s rotation this season - and it’s not just the fans taking notice. His teammates are clearly all-in on what González is bringing to the table, both on and off the court.
On Monday morning, Celtics big man Neemias Queta was the latest to sing González’s praises, and he didn’t hold back.
“I knew a couple of people at Real Madrid,” Queta said at shootaround. “That’s all they raved about - how hard he can play. I’ve been familiar with a little bit of the stuff he had going on, but it’s amazing to see it live.”
That last part hits home. Because watching González play, especially for those seeing him for the first time, it’s hard not to be struck by the energy and edge he brings.
He plays like he’s got something to prove - every possession, every loose ball, every defensive assignment. There’s a fire in his game that’s impossible to ignore.
And that intensity didn’t just appear overnight. González’s journey to the NBA has been years in the making, shaped by one of the most respected basketball pipelines in Europe.
Born in Madrid in February 2006, González joined Real Madrid’s youth program at just nine years old. From there, he rose fast.
By 16, he was already suiting up in the Liga ACB, one of the top leagues in the world outside the NBA. That debut in October 2022 made him one of the youngest players ever to play professionally for Real Madrid.
What followed was a run of dominance at the junior level. González led Real Madrid’s U18 squad to back-to-back Adidas Next Generation Tournament titles in 2023 and 2024, earning MVP honors in the latter. His performances didn’t just turn heads in Spain - NBA scouts were watching closely.
González also made waves on the international stage, helping Spain to a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and continuing to contribute in youth competitions. Then, in February 2025, he made his debut for Spain’s senior national team, scoring 11 points in a EuroBasket qualifier. At 19, he was already representing his country at the highest level.
Fast forward to June 2025, and the Celtics made their move, selecting González with the 28th overall pick in the NBA Draft. He got his first taste of NBA action in Summer League, then earned a spot on the Celtics’ regular-season roster. His minutes have fluctuated, as they often do for rookies, but he’s made the most of his opportunities.
The highlight so far? A breakout performance on December 20 against Toronto, where he notched his first career double-double - 10 points and 10 rebounds - in a Celtics win. It was the kind of game that doesn’t just show up in the box score; it showed his feel for the game, his toughness on the glass, and his willingness to do the dirty work.
Now, with Boston sitting at 17-11 and looking for its third straight win, González and the Celtics are set to host the 6-22 Indiana Pacers at TD Garden. It’s another chance for the rookie to continue building on what’s already been a promising start to his NBA journey.
He’s not just a young player finding his footing - he’s a competitor earning respect in a locker room full of veterans. And if you ask Neemias Queta, or anyone who’s watched González closely, it’s clear: the Celtics have something special brewing with this kid from Madrid.