Celtics Star Praises Rookie Shooting Guard’s Strong Early Season Performance
The Boston Celtics are off to a rocky 0–3 start in the 2025 NBA season, but that hasn’t stopped one young player from making a name for himself. Rookie shooting guard Hugo González is just two games into his NBA career and has quickly earned the respect of his teammates for his defensive intensity and readiness to compete at the highest level. The 19-year-old made his first career start Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons, where head coach Joe Mazzulla tasked him with hounding all-star Cade Cunningham as well as the other Pistons ball handlers. González handled the challenge admirably, limiting Cunningham to three points on one-of-five shots during their direct matchups. Despite the Celtics falling 119–113, González’s poise and physical presence provided a defensive spark for a team still searching for its first win of the season.
After the game, veteran leaders Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard were quick to praise the rookie’s mindset and energy. Brown told reporters in Detroit via NBC Sports Boston that he’s ready to go, that González knows his role, and he can play. Pritchard echoed those thoughts, describing Gonzalez as a spark who brings consistent effort on both ends of the floor. Through his first few NBA appearances, González has become one of Boston’s few bright spots, showing a defensive maturity rarely seen in players his age. While he has yet to find his scoring rhythm, González has demonstrated his ability despite logging scoreless outings in limited minutes. His hustle and defensive positioning have made him an early favorite among fans, teammates, and coaches alike.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla credited González’s defensive focus for helping balance the team’s rotations. With the Celtics currently ranked 22nd in both offensive and defensive efficiency, González’s emergence as a reliable perimeter defender has provided some much-needed optimism. Boston has allowed just 100 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, the second-best mark on the roster. As the Celtics begin their road trip to Smoothie King Center in New Orleans to face the Pelicans, the rookie’s growth could play a key role in helping the team rediscover its identity. Whether or not he remains in the starting lineup, González has already shown that his defensive mindset and readiness to compete make him a valuable part of Boston’s early-season efforts.
