Real Madrid forward dreaming of NBA Draft selection
The Spanish international is preparing for his jump to the NBA after a decade with Real Madrid.
With less than 48 hours remaining until the start of the 2025 NBA Draft, a decisive moment looms for Hugo González—a date that could define his future.
The 19-year-old standout from Real Madrid’s youth academy, standing at 1.98 meters, arrives at this pivotal juncture surrounded by high expectations. And with good reason: in recent months, his name has appeared consistently in draft predictions, scouting reports, and media debates, solidifying his status as one of the most intriguing prospects of his class.
Recent projections place the Real Madrid forward in the latter half of the first round, with a strong link to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently hold the 24th pick. It’s a lower spot than many anticipated earlier in the year, in what’s shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich drafts of the last decade. However, should Oklahoma City select him, a trade to a team where he might receive more playing time from the outset is reportedly likely.
Hugo Gonzalez was one of the top prospects entering the season but the fact that he didn't play amazing in his limited minutes at Real Madrid hurts his stock a bit. He's still really interesting and came in a lot bigger than what the expectation was. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/npQjbrzVx4
— Brian Taylor (@Weridos1221) June 25, 2025
Two franchises showing significant interest are the Brooklyn Nets and the San Antonio Spurs. Of the two, Jordi Fernández’s Nets appear best positioned to acquire him, holding the 19th, 26th, and 27th picks.
San Antonio, which has been tracking the Madrid native for some time, owns the 14th and 38th picks—likely earmarked for a more polished player and a second-round flyer, respectively.
Barring any surprises, Hugo González is expected to be the only Spaniard selected in the early stages of this year’s draft. Sergio De Larrea recently withdrew his name from consideration, while the stock of Izan Almansa and Eli Ndiaye has declined in recent weeks.
Should Hugo make the leap to the NBA, it would mark the end of a journey that began a decade ago, when he joined Real Madrid’s youth system at just nine years old. Now in his third season with the senior team, he has averaged 4.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in the Endesa League, and 1.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in the Euroleague. While his stats may not leap off the page, they don’t begin to capture his clear potential.
Nets now have No. 8, 19, 22, 26, 27, in the first-round of the 2025 NBA draft 😱 pic.twitter.com/wWxgUZKYhT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2025
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Set to take place over two nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the first round of the NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, with coverage beginning at 8:00 PM Eastern Time; the second round follows on Thursday, June 26, also starting at 8:00 PM ET.
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