New number, who dis? Celtics rookie Hugo González is shaking things up with a fresh jersey number for his NBA journey! From Real Madrid to Boston, find out why he chose No. 28 and what it means for his upcoming season. Get ready to see this young talent on the court. Any guesses if it’s a lucky number?
The highly anticipated arrival of Hugo González to the Boston Celtics marks a significant moment for the young talent, as he prepares to make his NBA debut sporting a new, personally chosen jersey number. After spending three impactful years developing his basketball prowess with European powerhouse Real Madrid, González is now poised to transition his skills to the demanding courts of the National Basketball Association. His choice of jersey number, a subtle yet meaningful detail, offers an early glimpse into his journey and aspirations within the Celtics organization.
Throughout his formative years in Spain, González became synonymous with the No. 9 jersey while navigating his role across Real Madrid’s second team and main roster. His international appearances for Spain further showcased his versatility, where he frequently donned the No. 7, most notably during the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship. These numbers have been integral to his identity on the court, representing different chapters of his blossoming career.
For his venture into the NBA with the Boston Celtics, González strategically opted for No. 28. This decision was not arbitrary; the young rookie revealed last month that his choice directly pays homage to his draft position. With the iconic No. 9 retired by the Celtics in honor of Derrick White, and other significant numbers already etched into the franchise’s storied history, No. 28 emerged as a unique and personal emblem for his new professional chapter.
González’s tenure with Real Madrid provided a solid foundation for his professional career. Across 69 games in various competitions last season, he demonstrated his potential, averaging 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting an efficient 40.8% from the field. His ability to impact games was evident in five instances where he reached double-digit scoring, including a season-high performance of 14 points and five rebounds on May 30th, underscoring his scoring capabilities.
Upon joining the Boston Celtics for the summer league, González continued to display flashes of his talent and adaptability. In four appearances, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. While his 3-point shooting stood at 30.4%, his overall offensive contributions included three double-figure scoring outings, highlighted by a 13-point performance on July 17th, signaling his readiness for higher competition in the NBA.
Looking ahead to the upcoming basketball season, Hugo González is projected to earn a legitimate opportunity to compete for valuable rotation minutes within the Boston Celtics roster. The coaching staff and front office have expressed considerable enthusiasm about integrating the talented guard into the team, eagerly anticipating his official debut on the professional hardwood and the impact he can bring to the squad.
As the Celtics embark on a new season, the focus intensifies on players like González who represent the future of the franchise. His journey from Real Madrid to Boston, marked by the strategic selection of his new jersey number, exemplifies the meticulous planning and personal significance athletes often attach to their professional careers. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching his progression as he strives to carve out a prominent role in the most competitive basketball league in the world.
