Former Celtics forward Juancho Hernangomez didn’t know he’d been traded to the Spurs for hours after losing his phone

Justin Quinn

January 22, 2022 at 6:30 PM·3 min read

While much of the wider world of NBA fandom pondered the impact of the trade which sent former Boston Celtics forward Juancho Hernangomez to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team deal that netted the Celtics big man Bol Bol and guard PJ Dozier as well as some cap relief, Hernangomez himself was unaware for several hours after the fact according to a new article by the San Antonio Express-News’ Tom Osborn.

Evidently, some sticky fingers in the city of Philadelphia played a role in the information blackout the Spaniard experienced surrounding his trade, finally learning from his brother that he’d been dealt to San Antonio.

“My brother (New Orleans Pelicans big man Willy Hernangomez) had tried to reach me,” related the former Celtic.

But does it make sense for either team to pull the trigger? https://t.co/uXVoCrCHg9
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2022

“He was like, ‘Oh, good luck on your new team. It’s going to be awesome.’” continued Hernangomez. “I told him like, ‘What? Where am I going?’ He said San Antonio, and I was really happy. It’s a great opportunity for me.”

His enthusiasm is well-founded given he’d only had a chance to play in 18 total games this season for the Celtics, his atrocious shooting (18.5% overall and 16.7% from 3) keeping him off of the floor with Boston.

Boston Celtics front office head Brad Stevens went on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher and Rich Thursday, here’s what he said. https://t.co/zqhJSZiQY5
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2022

“It was a tough time,” Hernangomez explained. “I feel like I could have helped the team.”

“I was ready for the opportunity, I was really excited to play for Boston, but it didn’t work out like everybody thought. But no regrets. It is what it is. I tried to help with the young guys. They have a lot of talent, I tried to be a good teammate there and do everything I could. It was a great experience.”

“Great group of guys, great talent, but it wasn’t the right time for me. There wasn’t space for me,” he suggested.

While most of us are focused on the trade deadline, our sister site gears up to gauge the 2022 NBA draft for Boston. https://t.co/HQ7CPGnuKg
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2022

As recently as two seasons ago, Hernangomez was recording as much as 12.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and a steal per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves while shooting 45.3% from the field and 42% from deep, so it’s not out of the question that the Madrid native can’t find a groove in this league again.

But much like his shot in Boston, it didn’t work out with the Celtics in a way that was sustainable for either party.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

The St. Louis native remains confident of shaking off his career-worst shooting slump soon, and downplayed his heavy usage. https://t.co/hvNl3dRtYs
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2022

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