Celtics Mailbag: Will Hugo Gonzalez be a surprise contributor immediately?
- Celtics (https://www.masslive.com/celtics/)
Published: Oct. 10, 2025, 6:00 a.m.
By Brian Robb | brobb@masslive.com
The Celtics’ preseason opener delivered plenty of eye-openers, from Josh Minott to the rookie Hugo Gonzalez. But here’s where it gets controversial: nobody knows how these pieces will fit once the regular-season curtain rises. Let’s rip open the mailbag and see what’s buzzing—and what’s still up for debate.
After last year’s knee issues, a healthy Tillman almost feels like another off-season addition. Do you think he will be “load managed” similar to Horford to manage health? — Joel V
Short answer: no. Longer answer: the Celtics won’t treat Tillman like Al Horford because they won’t need to. Horford logged 25–30 minutes a night and anchored the defense; Tillman’s ceiling is closer to 15–18 spot minutes against heavier frontcourts. Neemias Queta is the projected starting center, and Tillman’s role will be situational: small-ball center, emergency rebounder, defensive Swiss-army knife. At 27, he’s younger than most fans remember, and he’s never cracked 20 mpg in any season. Translation: no load-management plan required—unless his knee flares up again, which, by all accounts, it hasn’t. Contract year motivation is real, but 18 minutes a night shouldn’t break the mileage meter.
Tell me everything I need to know about Hugo!! — AJ
Everything? Buckle up. Gonzalez is 19, 6'7
