The Boston Celtics sat Hugo Gonzalez for their July 13 Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks, pulling the 20-year-old wing from the starting lineup on the second night of a back-to-back. Boston lost 83-80 to the Hornets on July 12 and then fell to the Hawks 83-80 in overtime on July 13, extending their losing streak to five straight games since May 2.
What happened in Atlanta?
Boston opened with Curtis Jones, John Tonje, Tucker DeVries, Dillon Mitchell and Chris Cenac Jr. at tip-off. Gonzalez and center Amari Williams were both unavailable, per John Karalis. The Celtics didn’t cite an injury or explain the absences, but the schedule told the story: three games in four days made workload management the likeliest reason.
Gonzalez had been Boston’s most productive young player in Summer League so far. He logged 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a 83-80 overtime win over Toronto on July 7, one assist shy of a triple-double. Against Charlotte on July 12, he contributed seven rebounds and six assists while shooting efficiently around the rim. Through two games, he averaged 15.5 points and seven rebounds, up from 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds during his rookie NBA season.
Why it matters for the Boston Celtics
Boston drafted Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Summer League gave him a bigger role than his rookie year allowed. He initiated possessions, attacked closeouts and played with more offensive freedom, showing he can be more than a defensive specialist and transition finisher. His absence forced the Celtics to test depth.
Cenac started at center and hit a game-tying three against Toronto. Mitchell erupted for 24 points, eight rebounds and six steals against Charlotte. Jones and Tonje saw extra ball-handling reps, while DeVries earned more scoring chances. Evaluating the rest of the roster without Gonzalez and Williams matters before the regular season.
What comes next for Boston
The Celtics’ Summer League slate continues with a chance to right the ship. They’ll look to build on flashes from Cenac, Mitchell and Jones while monitoring Gonzalez’s workload. The team’s five-game losing streak since May 2 looms large, but Summer League isn’t the regular season. Boston still needs to see how its young core handles bigger roles.
Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02).