Hugo Gonzalez Sheds Light On Relationship With Luka Doncic

The Boston Celtics earned their second-straight win on Saturday night against the Toronto Raptors, and with Jaylen Brown missing this game, several players had to step up for the C’s. One player who delivered the best performance of his young career was first-round rookie Hugo Gonzalez.

Coming off the bench, Gonzalez earned the first double-double of his young career, as he dropped 10 points and hauled in 10 rebounds, while also nabbing a pair of steals and blocking one shot. When all was said and done, Gonzalez registered a mind-boggling plus/minus of +37 during his 28 minutes on the floor.

Gonzalez drew some comparisons to Luka Doncic coming out of the draft, as both guys spent time playing for Real Madrid in Spain before finding their way to the NBA. Gonzalez doesn’t necessarily have a strong relationship with Doncic, but he admitted the Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar has been someone for him to look up to as he transitions to the NBA.

“For us in Madrid specifically, he’s just a legend,” Gonzalez said of Doncic on “View From the Rafters.” “He’s what you would like to be in a perfect world, you can’t even imagine what he’s doing right now … Every single guy that works in the (Real Madrid) Academy works to be like Luka and follow his way. (He’s) a role model to follow.

He’s come to some of (Real Madrid’s) games. We’ve talked some at some point. Not a relationship, but he has made an impression (on me), and I’ve been able to talk with him sometimes.”

For those who aren’t paying attention to Doncic, he’s putting together arguably the best season of his career, as he’s averaging 34.1 points, 8.8 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game for the Lakers this season. If Gonzalez comes anywhere close to reaching that level of production, Boston would be thrilled.

The early returns on Gonzalez are encouraging, and with Doncic outlining the blueprint for success in the NBA, he should only continue to grow with the C’s. Boston will be back in action on Monday night, as it will square off against the Indiana Pacers.