BOSTON — While the Celtics navigate a transitional offseason, three new rookies are entering the organization following the 2025 NBA Draft. Realistically, all three of those guys aren’t expected to contribute immediately considering where they were taken in the draft.
But Amari Williams, taken 46th overall, comes to Boston filling at least a positional need. The Celtics are thin at the big man spot as currently constructed, meaning Williams could up being counted upon due to injuries or other factors. It’s a unique opportunity since he plays the position where Boston is thin following trades and free agent departures.
“It’s fun, just being able to learn from the older guys,” Williams said. “(Neemias) Queta, who’s been here for quite a while. Just kind of being a sponge and kind of learning as the season goes on, so it’ll be a fun year.”
Williams, 23, was introduced alongside the two other Celtics rookies in Hugo Gonzalez and Max Shulga this week. The trio arrived in Boston shortly after getting drafted and got to meet new faces. Then it’ll be onto Summer League practices in the near future as the C’s have five games in Las Vegas coming up soon.
Of course, the Celtics are still tinkering with the roster this summer. But Williams, at least for now, has a chance to potentially impact the NBA squad. The C’s currently only have Queta, Xavier Tillman and newly-signed big man Luka Garza on the roster. Williams is expected to be signed to a two-way contract, though that isn’t official yet. The big man is also listed at 7-foot as he brings physicality to the game.
“He’s been one of the best passing big men in college for a long time,” C’s vice Mike 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.”
Williams, who grew up in England, credits playing soccer for his vision when it comes to passing. Once he got his growth spurt later in life, it was clear basketball could be in his future. While he played one season at Kentucky, he spent the first four years of college at Drexel.
Now, he’ll get coached up by the Celtics and Joe Mazzulla. Williams will likely get reps with the Maine Celtics in the G League, but for now, he’ll try to learn whatever he can throughout Summer League over the next few weeks.
“I feel like every coach I’ve had in the past has been like that,” Williams said. “Nothing’s ever gonna be given to you in basketball. Just taking it day by day, doing the things that got me here and what they expect of me, and I feel like that’s gonna help me in the long run.”
