With the 28th pick in the NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected versatile Spanish wing Hugo González. He last played in the Liga Endesa for Real Madrid, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 44.4/27.1/77.3 shooting splits. González is somewhat of a project player, which makes him an intriguing pick as the Celtics navigate Jayson Tatum‘s injury.
By selecting González, the Celtics passed up on several big men, which was considered an area of need, given that Al Horford and Luke Kornet are free agents. Based on this pick, it feels nearly certain that the Celtics will re-sign at least one of Horford and Kornet, perhaps even both.
Hugo González Pick Makes One Thing Clear for Celtics’ Offseason
The Celtics are Likely to Retain Horford/Kornet
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud were two centers commonly linked to the Celtics who were still on the board. Even Rasheer Fleming, who was considered a clear first-round talent, could play some small-ball five. It’s still possible, Boston drafts one of these with the 32nd. Nevertheless, the Celtics wouldn’t have risked missing out on a big man if they weren’t confident in re-signing Horford or Kornet.
After trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, the Celtics are now under the second apron, giving them room to operate with their free-agent big men. Additionally, the Celtics could get under the second apron even more if they trade Sam Hauser. Trading Hauser feels necessary to re-sign both big men.
Horford and Kornet will surely have plenty of suitors on the open market. However, given that Al won’t be playing for much longer, it feels likely that he’ll return to Boston even if he takes less money. Kornet proved to be a high-quality lob threat and shot blocker this past season, making him valuable to any team. For Kornet he will likely turn down significant money if he returns to Boston. Overall, it feels more likely that the Celtics will re-sign at least Horford, but they may re-sign both, especially after passing on a big man in the draft.
González’s Skill Set and Impact
Looking at González’s game a bit, his best trait is undoubtedly his versatile defense. At 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and quickness, he is capable of defending multiple positions. González’s physical tools, paired with a high motor, make him a high-level defensive prospect. Offensively, he mostly played an off-ball role and thrives as a cutter. González also has shown flashes of shot creation, playmaking, and shooting, but these will be swing skills for him.
At 19 with a raw offensive skill set González is a project player. He will likely spend a lot of time in Maine at least to start the season. Nevertheless, with Tatum’s injury, it will be interesting to see what level of opportunity González will get in Boston. It will be intriguing to see how González will develop alongside fellow young wings Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh. In addition to González’s selection signaling that Boston will re-sign at least one of Horford or Kornet, it likely means a trade is on the horizon for Hauser. Ultimately, watching González’s development will be intriguing, but the roster moves this pick hints at are just as important.
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