Hugo González, facing his first year in the NBA: "Here we train at 100% from minute 1"

The 2025/26 season of the NBA is approaching, and it will mark the first year in the league for Hugo González. The Spanish player from the Boston Celtics will fight for a spot in the franchise's rotation in Massachusetts, but he knows it will be tough.

The life of Hugo González has completely changed in a matter of months. The promising Spanish shooting guard, selected by the Celtics with the 28th pick of the NBA 2025 Draft, is experiencing his first training camp in the most competitive league in the world. And, as he admits himself, adapting is not an easy task.

“Some in the team try to speak to me in Spanish, but most of the time I have to communicate in English,” confessed the Madrid-born player with a smile after an intense training session. “Sometimes the coaches explain things to me twice, and that means I have to be even more focused not to miss anything.”

At just 19 years old, González combines the excitement of a rookie with the maturity he gained during his time at Real Madrid, where he already shared the dressing room with experienced players accustomed to the elite's pressure. However, the jump to the NBA represents a new dimension: new rhythms, a different language, and a cultural environment that demands quick adaptation.

The NBA, even tougher than he had imagined

The young Spaniard acknowledges that the work in training is much more specific than he had imagined. “We are delving into the details. I think, apart from the basics, it is the most important thing,” he explained. “We analyze every situation to the fullest to know how to react in games. Here, the demand is brutal.”

The Celtics organization, on the other hand, is taking a patient approach to his development. The plan for González is not yet fully defined, but everything indicates that the team could opt for a progressive process, similar to what Jordan Walsh or Baylor Scheierman followed, dividing their time between the first team and the G League to accumulate real game minutes.

González already had a first contact with American basketball during the Summer League, where he showed glimpses of his talent and a maturity unusual for his age. However, the difference between that scenario and the intensity of the training camp is immense. “It's different in Europe,” he admitted. “Here, all the players train at 100% from the first minute. It doesn't surprise me, because I know how good they are, but it's impressive to see the energy and level of commitment every day.”

The Spanish shooting guard also took the opportunity to reflect on his evolution since arriving in the United States. “I feel more comfortable, both on the court and off. I am learning a lot, not only about the game but also about how the Celtics operate as an organization. It's all about professionalism and attention to detail.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Hugo González, ante su primer año NBA: "Aquí se entrena al 100% desde el minuto 1"