Hugo Gonzalez is a successful participant

Via his first 21 NBA video games, one factor has been made clear about Celtics first spherical choose Hugo Gonzalez, he impacts successful. In line with PBP Stats, the Celtics web score is 8.9 factors higher with Gonzalez on the ground vs. when he’s on the bench. The pattern is small, simply 247 minutes, however I don’t assume it’s an accident.

The facet of the ground that he has impacted probably the most in his rookie season has been on the defensive finish. The Celtics quit 118.1 factors per 100 possessions with Gonzalez on the bench whereas giving up 110.6 factors when he’s on the ground.

His effort is what jumps off the web page probably the most. On the season, he has twelve steals and a variety of them are simply because his effort is larger than the opposite guys.

This can be a lazy move by Tyus Jones to Franz Wagner and Gonzalez simply beats Wagner to the ball, creating an additional possession for the Celtics along with his effort alone, which led to an Anfernee Simons three.

These are the forms of issues Hugo must do to stay on the ground. His protection has actually stood out, usually placing strain on the man carry the ball up the ground.

In Boston’s win over the New York Knicks on December 2nd, Gonzalez confirmed off his defensive versatility, irritating Karl-Anthony Cities all through the sport and getting a shot at guarding Jalen Brunson as nicely.

Brunson is one-on-one with the rookie right here and Hugo exhibits off his fast fingers by getting his fingers within the cookie jar to strip Brunson of the ball however extra importantly, not fouling and making a turnover and a run out for the Celtics layup.

Matched up with KAT, Hugo cuts off KAT’s drive and forces him to dribble into Payton Pritchard who steals the ball resulting in a Celtics and-one.

We all know having the ability to guard one via 5 is a talent within the NBA, one which Hugo hasn’t completely mastered however I believe he can get there. At apply on Wednesday, Gonzalez was requested about his function altering all through a recreation, particularly when he performs middle like he did in Monday’s loss to the Pistons.

“Attempt to benefit of my skill towards the large man,” he stated. “At any time when I’ve him in a detailed out, attempt to assault him, attempt to get a bonus. Then, house the ground within the nook. If we acquired him on the rim and he has to shut out, we get a variety of appears to be like on the rim so simply attempt to perceive my function.”

He was additionally requested whether it is powerful when Joe Mazzulla pulls one thing out that Boston has not completed shortly. “(The coaches) do a very good job at (projecting) what the sport goes to seem like,” Gonzalez stated. “At any time when we’re going to use one thing, we don’t say, ‘hey guys bear in mind this?’ We apply it, we make it possible for the whole lot is alright and every time we really feel prepared, we do it.”

He’s additionally hitting his three pointers to begin his younger profession. This season on nook three pointers, Gonzalez is taking pictures 57%. Granted he’s solely 4/7 so we actually can’t say something. He’s 7/16 on above the break threes so that’s encouraging but in addition a very small pattern measurement.

He hasn’t stood out offensively in any possible way but however his defensive effort mixed with making the three pointers he has taken has been very enjoyable to observe early in his profession.