How experts graded Celtics drafting Hugo González.

The Celtics used their lone first-round pick to take Hugo González, a 6-foot-6 wing from Spain, who averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes for Real Madrid. Unlike many international prospects, González will join the Celtics immediately rather than being stashed overseas.

 

Scouting Impressions & Media Reactions

 

New York Post

Described as a tough, physical player who gives max effort and attacks the rim well. However, his three-point shooting needs major work.

Grade: C

 

CBS Sports

González has a solid frame, energy, and defensive upside. His best offense comes in transition, but his 29% shooting from deep is a red flag, especially for a Celtics team that relies on spacing and perimeter shooting.

Grade: B-

 

Bleacher Report

Given Boston’s recent roster shakeups and Tatum’s injury, the team had room to take a swing on a high-upside project like González. While his athleticism and effort stand out, he remains a mystery due to limited court time. His future depends heavily on how his shooting develops.

Grade: C+

 

Yahoo Sports

González fits Boston’s culture with his high motor and strong defensive instincts. If he can improve his jumper and ball-handling, he has the potential to become a well-rounded, two-way starter.

Grade: A

 

Sports Illustrated

Once a top international prospect, his stock dropped after a quiet season in Spain. Still, Boston sees this as a good value pick with the potential for high defensive impact.

Grade: A-

The Athletic (Sam Vecenie & John Hollinger)

Vecenie praises González’s defensive awareness and work ethic but notes the lack of a reliable jump shot is the major question. Hollinger agrees, saying his athleticism and toughness are NBA-level, but offense must catch up.

No official grade, but both see the pick as a worthwhile gamble.

 

🏀 Summary

Hugo González is seen as a defense-first, high-motor wing with intriguing potential but real question marks offensively,  especially as a shooter. If his perimeter game develops, the Celtics may have landed a valuable rotation player late in the first round.

Grades range from C to A-, reflecting the divide between concerns about his offense and belief in his upside.