Three Takeaways From Celtics' Rookie Hugo Gonzalez's NBA Debut
After sitting out for the entirety of the Boston Celtics NBA season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, 28th overall pick Hugo Gonzalez got his first chance at NBA action in the 18-time champions' second contest.
In a loss to the New York Knicks, the 19-year-old Spaniard played 23 minutes, scoring six points, grabbing four rebounds, dished out an assist and nabbed a pair of steals. This included three-for-six shooting from the field, with all makes coming from two-point range.
While Gonzalez's box score was nothing spectacular, the 6-foot-6 wing caught the attention of evaluators for the impactful plays he made on both ends of the ball, as well as the clear improvement areas he displayed. In particular, these were the three biggest takeaways from the rookie's debut game:
Gonzalez's Energy Will be a Difference-Maker in the NBA
Above all, Gonzalez's energy shined in his debut. Well known for his motor, he entered the game with it revving and quickly leveraged it to make impactful plays on both ends of the floor. This included tenacious perimeter defense, relentless attacks at the offensive glass and hard-nosed drives. At times, these high-energy plays shifted momentum within the game, displaying the impact Gonzalez's energy can drive as he continues developing.
Gonzalez Needs to Find More Discipline in his Defensive Aggression
While Gonzalez made a plethora of high-value defensive plays in his debut, he still showed some clear improvement areas on this side of the ball. For example, he picked up four personal fouls in his 23 minutes on the court. In some of these instances, he overextended his defensive aggression when trying to make a play, which went downhill as he could not drive the outcome he desired.
While personal fouls aren't necessarily the most detrimental thing to the team, it's key that Gonzalez stays out of foul trouble to keep himself on the court. As he continues his NBA rise, the former Real Madrid standout should look to find more discipline in his defensive aggression to fulfill his true potential to be an elite wing defender.
Gonzalez's Three-Point Shot Remains his Biggest Swing Skill
On the offensive end, Gonzalez found success through his downhill aggression. However, he did miss both of his shot attempts from beyond the arc, which fits into the broader uncertainty around his shooting projection. As a 6-foot-6 perimeter player, especially on the Celtics, his three-point shooting remains his biggest swing skill, as it will be hard for him to bring positive offenisve impact if defenses don't deem him as a threat from range. Over the course of his rookie season, evaluators should keep a close eye on his three-point shooting to gauge his offensive growth and potential.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid Relays Fantastic News After Starters Dominate Bears
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 preseason is officially over, and head coach Andy Reid provided every fan’s favorite summer news after Patrick Mahomes and the KC offense marched up and down the field for three early scores against the Chicago Bears.
“As far as injuries go, nobody was injured, which is a good thing,” Coach Reid relayed after the game. He added that it was also “a positive” that they were able to play everybody healthy enough to suit up for the Friday night outing.
New KC Star beat reporter Pete Sweeney (formerly Arrowhead Pride) took to X to share the fantastic news.
“A very good night for the Chiefs,” he posted. “The top two units looked good, no new injuries — and exactly 14 days from the opener for those mending injuries to get right.”
In other words, Kansas City is in perfect shape to begin another Super Bowl quest come Week 1. And better yet, Mahomes and the offense looked dialed in on August 22.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs First-Team Offense Show Off Massive Potential in Final Preseason Game vs. Bears
It wasn’t just a night where the Chiefs’ offense appeared to be trending in the right direction. Mahomes and KC came out firing like they were in midseason form.
Sure, there were a few misses early on, but it didn’t stop the two-time NFL MVP from connecting on 8-of-13 for 143 passing yards and 1 touchdown (first touchdown drive ended in an Isiah Pacheco run).
Of course, if you watched the game, you’re probably well aware that Mahomes’ top highlight of the night came on a 58-yard deep ball to Tyquan Thornton — who appeared to solidify his roster spot, if it wasn’t already solidified.
“If we do that, it opens up the rest of the offense, and everybody can get going,” Mahomes said after the game, regarding the deep gainer.
Otherwise, in typical Mahomes fashion, the Chiefs QB spread the ball around to players like Rashee Rice (2 catches, touchdown), Travis Kelce (2 catches), JuJu Smith-Schuster (19-yard first down), Xavier Worthy (1 catch), rookie running back Brashard Smith (catch inside red zone) and more.
Most importantly, he looked very comfortable behind pretty steady blocking from the offensive line.
Andy Reid Says Chiefs’ First-Team Offensive Line ‘Gave Pat Time’
Perhaps the No. 1 takeaway from this game is that the Chiefs’ offensive line looked new and improved in the pass protection department.
“Without looking at the tape, I thought the O-Line did a nice job and gave Pat time,” Reid noted.
Adding: “We were efficient in the run game. Receivers and tight ends caught the ball. Pat looked smooth, confident, and had trust in the group. It was a smooth operation tonight.”
That all starts with the blocking unit, as Mahomes pointed out.
“It’s cliché, but it starts up front,” the Chiefs QB voiced. “When the guys are blocking like that, it gets the offense going.”
Whether it was Trey Smith absolutely demolishing a pass rusher (see above) or recent draft picks Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia looking like seasoned veterans, this KC offensive line looked night and day from the past couple of years.
Needless to say, if Mahomes has time to throw, watch out. Reid said it best; the OL “gave Pat time,” and he delivered.
