The Boston Celtics got their first look at first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez in the Summer League, and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens likes what he’s seen from the rookie so far.
Gonzalez made his Celtics debut in Friday’s 92-78 Summer League win over the Grizzlies, posting 12 points (4-12 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-5 FT), five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 28 minutes. He led the team in both assists and playing time during the victory.
The 6-foot-7 wing has had a busy schedule of late, leaving Real Madrid and joining the Celtics shortly after the NBA Draft. Stevens praised his work ethic but acknowledged that the 19-year-old is a work in progress, according to Brian Robb of MassLive.
“I think he really wants to be good,” Stevens said. “You can tell he’s got a good work ethic, a good compete level. There’s a care factor out there, and you know he’s just learning.”
MORE: Celtics could target reunion with former No. 6 overall pick if bought out
Gonzalez recently wrapped up his season with Real Madrid in Liga ACB, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field in 14.1 minutes per game across 29 outings.
Despite Stevens reportedly telling him to “…take a long weekend and come to Boston a couple days later…,” Gonzalez arrived just two days after being drafted and got right to work.
While he has plenty of room for development, Gonzalez could have a real chance to carve out a role with the Celtics amid a retooling effort driven by financial constraints and Jayson Tatum’s torn right Achilles tendon.
MORE NBA NEWS:
