Celtics have a simple demand for rising wing Hugo Gonzalez at Summer League

Las Vegas -- It has been a busy offseason for Hugo Gonzalez. His rookie season with the Celtics was a whirlwind. He seamlessly adapted to a new country and an NBA playing style that's dramatically different from the ACB. For a summer encore, Boston's burgeoning wing joined the Spanish National Team for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

There, the former Real Madrid standout showcased signs of growth as a passer; he attacked the rim repeatedly, and didn't hesitate to let it fly from beyond the arc. Gonzalez's trademark hustle was also on display as he earned a Tommy Point overseas.

Now, the 20-year-old with a relentless motor is in Las Vegas for Summer League. It figures to be a brief stay, but he's already making an impact with his play and his leadership.

"When he talks, everybody listens," said Amile Jefferson, the Sin City C's head coach, a day before the Celtics' first game in Las Vegas. "Anytime he's telling us to do something, talking to the group, they're listening, and then he does everything at 110 percent. This dude loves to run; he loves to sprint, and so it's conducive for a really good environment for our group."

The leadership challenge Celtics have issued to Hugo Gonzalez

It would be understandable if the six-foot-six wing arrived at Summer League with a desire to use this as an opportunity to be a high-volume scorer. While that could happen, it won't be the product of his forcing the issue.

Gonzalez has a burning desire to become his best self -- to avoid looking back on his career with any regret. Following that north star means finding ways to grow while staying true to his role when the season begins. There's room for expansion, but it must be rooted in reality.

Everyone loves to put the ball in the basket. However, the coaching staff's advice to him is more beneficial to his development than putting too much weight on that part of his play.

"We're asking him to be a leader, to take a step in his overall game," shared Jefferson. "It doesn't mean we're looking for him to score X amount of points, but just be more of who you already are; you get to do it at a bigger role."

That includes empowering him with the ball in his hands, capitalizing on his floor vision, and leveraging his impact as a screener. Those are areas that will matter during his second year in the Association and beyond. They're examples of what will make this a worthwhile business trip for Gonzalez.

It also helps that they're coaching someone mature beyond his years. That advanced perspective includes understanding the difference between what each environment he's in calls for from him.

"There's a difference in situation for me when I'm with Spain, when I'm with the Celtics in [the] regular season or in the playoffs, and then when I'm in Summer League," voiced Gonzalez after Thursday's practice. "Just try to adjust to the role and to the situation."

His ability to do so allowed him to showcase the athleticism that Brad Stevens raved about at his end-of-season press conference. It was there that the organization's president of basketball operations labeled Gonzalez a big part of the team's future. Maximizing his time in the offseason is his way of saying thank you and showing the Celtics they're right to put considerable faith in him.

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