What can Amari Williams bring to the Boston Celtics?
On Thursday, June 26, the Boston Celtics selected English big man Amari Williams with the 48th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Williams is a five-year collegiate product, having spent four seasons with Drexel before moving to Kentucky for the 2024-25 campaign. Williams' best skill is his playmaking ability, especially on the perimeter or around the elbows.
In a post-draft news conference, Celtics Vice President of Basketball Operations, Mike Zarren, detailed what led the Celtics to acquire the big man in the draft process. Zarren noted his rebounding and playmaking as key aspects of his skill set that attracted Boston to the Wildcats product.
'He's been one of the best passing big men in college for a long time,' Zarren said. 'He's an elite rebounder, he's a great guy, he had a wonderful career at Drexel, and then stepped it up another level at Kentucky. When you meet him, you'll see he's got just an enormous, enormous wingspan. And as you'll see on the court, if you haven't seen already, he's got incredible vision. And those things are just key abilities in the modern NBA....Sometimes we play through big guys at the post...With the guys we have had on our roster, and Amari should fit into that pretty well.'
As a late second-round pick, Williams will likely spend a significant amount of time with the Maine Celtics in the G League. However, Boston has proven that it's open to giving two-way talent an opportunity to impress if they earn their minutes the hard way.
Therefore, Williams should feel motivated to improve his game, and showcase his undoubted offensive skill next season.
Nevertheless, there are some concerns surrounding Williams' defense. He has heavy feet and limited hip mobility, which could make him a target for opposing guards and forwards, regardless of whether he's playing drop defense, up-to-touch or switching as part of a switch-everything system.
Still, rookies aren't supposed to be the finished product, so hopes will likely remain high over Williams' potential.
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