TITLE: Gonzalez’s Strong Rookie Year Isn’t Enough for Celtics’ Postseason Plans
SLUG: gonzalez-postseason-minutes-tatum-knee-update-williams-contract-mazzulla-scrutiny
CONTENT:
Boston’s front office remains high on rookie forward Hugo Gonzalez, but the 20-year-old’s promising debut season did not translate into meaningful playoff minutes.
Selected 28th overall last year, Gonzalez posted the second-best regular-season plus/minus on the roster, yet saw action in only three brief postseason stints before logging 13 minutes during the Celtics’ Game 7 defeat to Philadelphia. He finished the series scoreless, missing all three field-goal attempts and both free throws.
“He didn’t separate himself from those other guys,” president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said, referencing wings Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh. “I knew Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard should be playing. There wasn’t enough separation.”
Despite the limited role, Stevens called Gonzalez “a critical part” of Boston’s future and expects him to sharpen his game at the Las Vegas Summer League. “His athleticism can beat the moment in big games,” Stevens added. “He’s one of the strongest guys on our team pound for pound right now.”
Tatum Sits Game 7 With Knee Stiffness
Stevens said the decision to hold Jayson Tatum out of Game 7 came after observing a Saturday morning workout in which left-knee stiffness was evident. “It’s not a long-term concern, but it certainly didn’t look right,” Stevens explained, noting a tendency to overcompensate while returning from injury.
Williams’ Roster Status Uncertain
Center Amari Williams, converted from a two-way deal to a standard contract in early February, still must earn a permanent roster spot. The 24-year-old will receive extensive Summer League opportunities, but questions remain about his shooting range and interior strength. A return on a two-way contract next season is possible.
Mazzulla Faces Added Pressure
Stevens offered only lukewarm support for head coach Joe Mazzulla, emphasizing that “everyone in the organization has to be better.” Mazzulla drew criticism for failing to integrate trade-deadline acquisition Nikola Vucevic and for several rotation choices during the Philadelphia series. League observers expect the coach to be closely evaluated in next year’s postseason, particularly if Boston upgrades the roster.
Source: Hoops Rumors
