Celtics' Hugo Gonzalez finds silver lining in his most important NBA adjustment

As previously detailed at Hardwood Houdini, Hugo Gonzalez is an exciting addition to the Boston Celtics on both ends of the floor. He plays with an edge and a motor that runs nonstop. Those traits will quickly ingratiate him to his new team and fan base.

Offensively, he'll drive downhill with physicality, long strides, and a sophisticated understanding of attacking angles. He also has a great feel as a cutter. That off-ball impact will be a welcome addition to Boston's offense. He'll also help the Celtics operate at a faster pace, addressing a needed adjustment.

At the other end of the floor, his motor, IQ, and six-foot-seven wingspan make him a defensive dynamo with impressive versatility.

On the heels of Tuesday's training camp session in preparation for Summer League, Jordan Walsh raved about Gonzalez's defensive prowess, stating: "He plays hard; really hard. Fans are going to love that. He plays hard. He dives on the floor. He's a defensive menace."

Hugo Gonzalez shares his biggest NBA adjustment

The skill that will primarily determine Gonzalez's ceiling is his shooting. That's why it should come as no surprise that when asked about his most significant adjustment as he acclimates to the Celtics, the former Real Madrid wing singled out the three-point line.

"[The] biggest adjustment is to try to handle out with that three-point line [on the floor] and to handle with the lines," Gonzalez told Hardwood Houdini. "It's not stepping on the white lines.

"So, trying to adjust also to the pace and the rhythm. That is another complete thing compared to Europe. So, just trying to adapt. I've had some, as I said, mini camp for adapting. I think I'm adapting myself well. So, just pretty excited to have it on the court."

After Real Madrid captured the ACB championship the same day that the 19-year-old got drafted in the first round by Boston, Gonzalez is punting on the chance to recharge. Instead, he'll showcase his talent at Summer League.

He may not suit up for the Sin City Celtics for long -- perhaps as short as one appearance. However, it's a chance for him to work in a game setting while continuing to acclimate to a three-point line further back than he's accustomed to.

"I want to catch up with the idea of the three-point line and everything," voiced Gonzalez about the part of his game he wants to improve while at Summer League. "All the spacing and all of that stuff. I want to get better [at] shooting. So I'm trying to just put my focus on the three-point line, the shot, the pace, and the rhythm and everything, so I can improve."

As the 28th overall pick dives headfirst into addressing the facet of his game that could turn Boston's home run swing into a grand slam, the Celtics' personnel will make it easier on him.

Playing off of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard -- and Jayson Tatum when he returns -- will afford Gonzalez ample time and space to launch clean looks from behind the arc.

"They've got some really good players for generating advantages and everything," expressed Gonzalez. "So, whenever I have the ball, I'm just gonna be more or less open because they are one of the best on-ball creators in the league. So, everything I have to do is just catch and shoot it. That's what I'm trying to perform as well; my balance and everything. I'm just trying to get adapted to the Celtics' system so I can contribute to the team as soon as possible."