Joe Mazzulla decided to start Hugo Gonzalez for the Boston Celtics’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday afternoon, doubling down on the new play styles that he wants to enforce this season. It’s a statement not only to the Celtics, but to the rest of the league: Boston is going to play very differently, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to perfect it.
Gonzalez enjoyed an incredible debut at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. He made his NBA debut after not appearing on Opening Night, playing 22:36. The rookie put up six points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals while shooting 3-of-6 from the floor and 0-of-2 from deep.
But it was his defense that was most impressive.
Hugo Gonzalez starting perfectly embodies the new Celtics
Gonzalez played the bulk of his minutes (15:25) in the second half against the Knicks. That’s because, after a disastrous second quarter, the Celtics found themselves in a hole. They needed an energy shift.
That’s exactly what Gonzalez provided. He got the Jalen Brunson assignment, pressing him all up and down the floor, earning steals and forcing multiple turnovers with his ball pressure.
His ability and willingness to sprint the length of the floor, all while covering one of the best players in the league, certainly made its mark.
Boston wants to be a more aggressive defense this year. They want to take more risks, force more turnovers, and pressure the ball a lot more. Gonzalez brings all of those attributes to the table.
And on the offensive end, the Celtics are playing a much more chaotic, ball movement-oriented brand of basketball. With Gonzalez’s athleticism and quickness, he should fit in nicely.
Plus, with Boston’s desire to crash the offensive boards a lot more, Gonzalez should be an ideal fit. He’s constantly sprinting toward the rim, whether it be on off-ball cuts or offensive rebound attempts.
Up to this point in his coaching career, Mazzulla has been a trust guy. He needs to trust a player before he gives them real minutes. Clearly, he trusts Gonzalez. At least enough to give him a start.
At just 19 years old, Gonzalez is getting a chance to start an NBA game. The third NBA game of the new-era Celtics, in which they are implementing brand new play styles on both ends of the court.
That paints a very clear picture about how Mazzulla, and the Celtics organization, feels about him.