The Boston Celtics may have struck gold with 19-year-old rookie Hugo González - and if his recent performances are any indication, this kid isn’t just flashing potential anymore. He’s here. And he’s already impacting winning basketball in a way that’s tough to ignore.
Early in the season, González gave us glimpses - the kind of raw tools and flashes of feel that make scouts sit up in their chairs. But lately?
He’s stringing together games that show he’s not just learning the NBA game - he’s already affecting it. Multiple double-doubles.
Game-changing hustle plays. A presence that’s becoming impossible to overlook.
And people around the league are taking notice.
Celtics teammates have been vocal about what he brings to the floor, and analysts have been just as impressed. Stan Van Gundy admitted he was “falling in love” with González early in the year, and Celtics big man Neemias Queta recently praised the rookie’s poise and impact.
Even Bill Simmons - known for his Celtics fandom and tongue-in-cheek takes - couldn’t help but jump on the Hugo hype train. In a mock redraft posted to X, Simmons jokingly had González going No. 1 and No. 6 overall.
And honestly? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.
While Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe have been more prominent in the Rookie of the Year conversation - largely due to heavier minutes and bigger offensive roles - González is quietly making one of the biggest impacts of any rookie in the league. He’s not the focal point of the offense, but he’s doing everything else: defending, rebounding, making the right reads, and playing with a maturity that belies his age.
You want a stat that tells the story? Look at total plus-minus among rookies this season:
Top Total Plus/Minus - 2025-26 NBA Rookies 1.
Hugo González - +111
2.
VJ Edgecombe - +94
3.
Dylan Harper - +80
4.
David Jones Garcia - +38
5.
Jase Richardson - +32
6.
Cedric Coward - +29
7.
Danny Wolf - +20
7.
Noah Penda - +20
That number isn’t just a reflection of the Celtics being a strong team - it’s a reflection of González elevating the lineups he’s in. He’s not riding coattails. He’s helping drive results.
Case in point: Boston’s recent comeback win over the Indiana Pacers. Down 20 in the second half, head coach Joe Mazzulla benched the starters and turned to the bench unit.
González led the charge. Energy, defense, rebounding - he was everywhere.
The Celtics stormed back and won the game, and Hugo was right in the middle of it all.
Here’s what he’s done over his last three games:
- 10 PTS | 8 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | +22 | W
- 10 PTS | 10 REB | 2 STL | 1 BLK | +37 | W
- 6 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK | 1 STL | +21 | W
The numbers don’t scream "superstar scorer," but they do scream "winning player." He’s affecting the game in every way that matters - especially for a team with championship aspirations. In a Celtics system that values versatility, defensive effort, and high-IQ basketball, González is already checking every box.
The Celtics took a swing on the 19-year-old from Real Madrid, and it’s looking like Brad Stevens and the front office absolutely nailed it. Hugo González isn’t just part of the future - he’s already part of the now.