The Boston Celtics took Hugo Gonzalez with the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Bill Simmons already thinks he would be a top-ten pick if it were redrafted today. He is not playing massive minutes, but the teenager makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Gonzalez has been looking like a steal for a while, and the numbers just keep getting more impressive.
Rookies rarely make a positive impact on contending teams, especially teenagers. With Gonzalez on the floor, the Celtics' elite offense is 2.8 points per 100 possessions better, and the defensive rating drops to 106.5. Boston has won his 401 minutes by 129 points, and fans are absolutely loving the 6’6 wing’s impact.
Simmons even created an award on his podcast to give to Gonzalez. He talked in-depth about his start and how Gonzalez is far and away the best non-lottery selection in the 2025 draft so far. He is a Celtics homer, but fans won’t want to miss this.
Hugo Gonzalez is already the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft
Simmons was talking about creating an award to give to players who immediately outplay their draft position. He named it the Powerball Ticket award and had this to say about Gonzalez taking the early lead this season.
“Hugo Gonzalez with just a massive lead right now. I can’t even remember if he was end of the first round or what, but out of all the non-lottery guys, he is the one that if there was a redraft, he would be a top-ten pick.”
Simmons is not wrong. Gonzalez is just one of 13 rookies and six non-lottery selections to have a positive value over replacement player. The 6’6 wing has only played 401 minutes, which ranks 20th in this class. The eye test, coupled with the on-off numbers, proves he is already impacting winning on a franchise that surprisingly sits 3rd in the Eastern Conference after 32 games.
It is difficult to figure out how so many teams passed on him. Gonzalez made an immediate impact, including starting the third game of his rookie season. Head coach Joe Mazzulla continues to tinker with his rotations, but fans get excited whenever the rookie hits the floor.
Late first-round draft picks are always a gamble. Teams are lucky to get any production from their entire rookie contract, especially when the player enters the NBA as a teenager. Brad Stevens deserves a ton of credit for nailing this pick, and the coaching staff gets props for helping Gonzalez pop instantly.
Stevens' track record in the draft has been questionable leading up to this pick. Boston has traded several selections and has not seen Jordan Walsh or Baylor Scheierman hit. Fans know Stevens is elite at finding talent. It just took him some time in the draft.
The Boston Celtics are primed to contend for years to come, and Hugo Gonzalez figures to play a key role. His menacing defense could be game-changing, and he could quickly become the 3-and-D wing that every team covets. The Celtics got the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft, and there is no debate at this point.