The Boston Celtics' top rookie draft pick this season has finally revealed his plans for Summer League later this month.
During a new conversation with Noa Dalzell of Celtics on CLNS, No. 28 pick Hugo Gonzalez clarified whether or not he intends to suit up for the club's four Summer League games in Las Vegas.
Asked Hugo Gonzalez if he plans on playing in Summer League:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) July 1, 2025
“I hope yes. I’m pretty excited about it.” pic.twitter.com/bQMdYbqEPs
“I hope yes. I’m pretty excited about it,” Gonzalez said. "I just want to [get to] work already."
Gonzalez, who has been plying his trade for elite EuroLeague club Real Madrid, told gathered reporters how his more seasoned teammates had advised him about his NBA transition.
Hugo Gonzalez on what the message has been from his ex-NBA playing Real Madrid teammates:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) July 1, 2025
“Be yourself. How you play — you’re gonna have success.” pic.twitter.com/Ax26uPAERL
"Actually what they just told me is, 'Be yourself. How you play — you’re gonna have success.' And I'm having that feedback on my mind because they've got a ton of experience, a lot more than me," Gonzalez revealed.
A 6-foot-6 shooting guard/small forward, the 19-year-old Gonzalez played sparingly in his 29 Liga ACB games with Real Madrid last season, averaging 5.2 points on .444/.271/.773 shooting splits, 2.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.5 steals across 14.2 minutes per with Real Madrid.
In a presser Monday, Real Madrid announced that it had officially moved on from Gonzalez, allowing him to sign with Boston unencumbered by any international obligations.
After Gonzalez, the Celtics selected a pair of second rounders, Kentucky center Amari Williams with the No. 46 pick and VCU guard Max Shulga with the No. 57 selection in the draft.
Beyond the draft, Boston has enjoyed an active offseason so far.
With six-time All-Star power forward Jayson Tatum likely to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season recovering from an Achilles tendon tear, the Celtics prioritized ducking under the league's brutal second luxury tax apron this summer.
Boston traded starting center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks for a second round draft pick, forward Georges Niang, and serious savings, and flipped All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for two seconds, combo guard Anfernee Simons, and — again — a financial edge. Boston also saw reserve center Luke Kornet depart for a windfall to serve as Victor Wembanyama's primary backup on the San Antonio Spurs.
Reserve center/power forward Al Horford, an unrestricted free agent, is not without suitors as a versatile two-way talent, even at age 39.
So just like that, the Celtics could be without four of their best eight players heading into next season — and their very best, Tatum, will be rostered but likely out all year.