The Boston Celtics are sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, and while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are getting their well-earned flowers, there's a rookie quietly making an impact that’s hard to ignore-unless you’re picking players for the Rising Stars Game, apparently.
Hugo Gonzalez, the Celtics’ first-round pick at No. 28, has been turning heads among those who pay attention to more than just box scores. Despite logging modest counting stats-4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game-Gonzalez is putting up some of the best on-court analytics numbers we’ve seen from a rookie in years.
Let’s talk plus-minus. Gonzalez currently leads all NBA rookies in total plus-minus, and it’s not even close.
He’s more than doubled the second-place rookie in that department. That’s not just a good number-it’s a statement.
And when you zoom out to NBA history, his plus-minus per game ranks third all-time among rookies, trailing only Tim Duncan and Chet Holmgren. That’s elite company.
Sure, part of that success stems from playing meaningful minutes on a well-oiled Celtics machine. Boston is deep, disciplined, and defensively sound.
But Gonzalez isn't just a passenger on this ride-he’s helping steer the ship. His presence on the floor consistently tilts the game in Boston’s favor, even if the box score doesn’t scream it.
So, why was he left off the Rising Stars roster?
It likely comes down to those traditional numbers. The game tends to favor rookies with flashier stat lines-guys putting up double-digit scoring nights or racking up highlight-reel plays.
Gonzalez doesn’t fit that mold. He’s not filling up the scoring column, but he’s doing the little things-rotating on defense, making the extra pass, boxing out-that don’t always show up in highlights but win games.
It’s not unusual for the Rising Stars Game to overlook players like Gonzalez. Every year, there are a few rookies who make a real impact without getting the national spotlight.
This year, Gonzalez is that guy. And while it’s a miss not to see him among the league’s top young talents in Indianapolis, Celtics fans-and anyone watching closely-know just how valuable he’s been.
So instead of suiting up during All-Star Weekend, Gonzalez will get a few extra days of rest. Given how important he’s become to Boston’s rotation, that might not be the worst thing for the Celtics’ long-term outlook this season.
Still, if we’re talking about rookies who are helping their teams win now, Hugo Gonzalez deserves a seat at the table-even if it’s not the one at All-Star Weekend.