Boston Celtics’ Hugo González: “Every day they make me feel at home”

How is Boston? Coming from a big city like Madrid, I imagine the adaptation is easier.

Yes, it’s true. Within its differences, it has similarities to Madrid. It feels familiar.

I imagine you are still trying to process everything at such speed. It must take maturity to handle all this.

You have to stay calm and be prepared for whatever comes, good or bad.

You are with the most decorated team in NBA history. They last won the championship in 2014. Now, with Jayson Tatum’s injury and the departures of Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, are the Celtics entering a transition phase?

I would not describe it as a transition. We are still hungry, trying to reach our full potential and win. Our goal is to compete for the championship again.

Right now, you are fighting to earn your place in such a demanding environment.

Yes, of course. Minutes in the NBA are highly contested. We work every day to earn playing time. This is the best league in the world and you have to work extremely hard. They chose to bring me here at 19 instead of leaving me in Europe for another year, and that is an opportunity anyone would dream of. They have welcomed me warmly and every day they make me feel at home.

How is the atmosphere?

Inside the Celtics organisation, everything is clear and professional.

And what do the stars tell you? Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown... You must be learning a lot from them.

This is a year of constant learning for me. The expectation is that I improve as much as possible, learn from the best, and contribute not only this season but especially in the long term.

What does it mean to play for a club with 18 championship titles?

There is a weight to it. Any team that walks into TD Garden and sees those banners feels respect. For us, there is a sense of responsibility.

You left one of the world’s biggest clubs, Real Madrid, and joined the top team in American basketball. Are they very different?

Real Madrid is extremely well organised. It is the same here. I consider myself fortunate because Madrid is often said to be the closest club to the NBA, and now I can confirm that.

Everyone talks about how unique coach Joe Mazzulla is. What is it like working with him?

He is very clear about each player’s objectives and pushes us to give our best. He knows I like being challenged when I am not giving 100 percent. I am not expected to take 15 shots or score 30 points; roles in the NBA are very defined. I need to provide defensive energy and intensity. When I am open, he tells me to shoot. The shots will fall in eventually. I want to be the rookie who learns the most this year.

You seem ambitious and fearless.

It was the same at Real Madrid. When you spend so many years seeing the first team close up, you arrive slightly afraid of failing. Here, that feeling does not exist. The best thing is the confidence I have and the confidence they give me. The physical level is higher and at first the pace feels overwhelming, but then you understand why everything happens at that speed.

Is it true you train with the sound of gunfire?

Yes, it is an exercise to simulate a pressurised environment, similar to a war zone. Twelve-minute one-on-one drills with gunfire sounds and other exercises to increase mental pressure.

Along with Aldama, you are one of the only Spaniards in the NBA. Do you stay in contact?

Yes, we played them a few days ago and I greeted him, asked how things were going in Memphis. It is very difficult to break into this league, especially for Europeans. Once you arrive, it is just the first step; you must work hard so it is not your first and last season.

There are many young players such as Saint-Supéry or Baba Miller going to the NCAA. Do you see yourself as a reference for this new generation?

Everyone has their own path. Sergio de Larrea is taking a similar route to mine. Others, like Mario, have already played in the ACB and now choose university. Some go to high school abroad, others go straight from junior basketball to college. Everyone should choose what is best for their development. For me, I felt the path I was on was the right one and I did not hesitate.

Have you spoken with Juancho Hernangómez, the only other Spaniard to have played for Boston?

Not specifically about Boston, though of course I know him and have spoken with him before.

You are establishing yourself as a defensive specialist, explosive in transition, while expanding your game. Like most young players. You earn minutes through defence.

I do not have restrictions from the coaching staff on what I can do, but I know how hard it is to earn playing time. To stand out, I need to focus on what depends on me. Energy comes from within and that is what I try to give the team every night.

What are coaches focusing on with you? Improving your shooting?

Adjusting to a new style of play. I now have a much clearer idea of what is expected. I must continue making good reads and smart decisions when the ball finds me, building a solid foundation for the future.

Is the pace of play very different in the NBA compared with Europe?

Yes. They are two different tempos and different ways of understanding basketball, although the core ideas are similar. The difference seems large at first but you adapt quickly.

Your defence against Cunningham, Wagner, Brunson, and Maxey has been highly praised.

Some players, like Brunson, are almost impossible to stop completely. All you can do is disrupt them, make them uncomfortable, and win small battles throughout the game. You just try to slow them down.

Who are you looking forward to facing the most?

Several players, but I would say Luka Doncic because of what he represents to Real Madrid and to any young academy player. I love watching how he creates space with his physicality. I am sure it is incredible to see up close. I met him a few times when he came to the arena in Madrid. His first camp was in my hometown, San Agustín de Guadalix. I must have been nine or ten. I still have a photo.

Was missing the EuroBasket a frustration? You should be an important part of the national team in the future.

Yes. I want to be important for the national team and compete for big goals. I am eager to play and have a bigger role. I am waiting for the next World Cup qualifying windows, or even the World Cup itself.

What do you think of Chus Mateo’s appointment? You know him well; perhaps you would have liked to play under him for longer.

I am delighted. He is a great coach and a great person. He gave me my professional debut, so I am thrilled for him and eager to work with him again one day.

It must be a source of pride to be one of the few players to progress through every Real Madrid youth category before making the first team.

Yes, absolutely. When you join the youth system at 12, the first team seems incredibly distant, but time passes. You need luck, but also the right mentality to take every step forward. I was fortunate enough to have both and reach the first team.

Is the EuroLeague an unfinished chapter after your progress and success in youth competitions?

I am focused on the present and on taking the right steps in my career. We will see what the future holds.

You looked up to Ginóbili and saw Doncic at Real Madrid, and Rudy Fernández has been your role model. Who would you choose?

Rudy has always been my reference because of his style and characteristics. I love the way he plays and always wanted to resemble him. Ginóbili was a fantastic player and a role model in the NBA. I have been fortunate to have high-level examples from early on.

Do you still follow Real Madrid?

They are dominant at home in the ACB but finding Europe more difficult. It is always complicated. There are many new players and I am sure they are working on every detail. The grades come at the end of the season. With so many newcomers they need patience. They have a great team and I am sure they will improve as the season develops.

Would you rule out returning in the future?

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You never know. Right now, I am focused on my career here. It is not something I am thinking about at the moment.

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