The Boston Celtics parted ways with two starters this week to reduce roster expenses ahead of an expected transitional 2025-26 season.
The franchise sent center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and veteran point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, yielding shooting guard Anfernee Simons, forward Georges Niang, and multiple second-round draft picks in return.
Celtics Address Frontcourt Need With Kentucky’s Amari Williams
The Celtics addressed the void left by Porzingis’ departure by selecting Kentucky standout Amari Williams with the No. 46 pick in Thursday night’s second round. However, given the value lost in trading away the All-Star center, the selection didn’t grade favorably with analysts.
Williams was originally selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic before his rights were traded to Boston. The Celtics had earlier sent their No. 32 pick to the Magic in exchange for picks No. 46 and 57, plus future second-round selections.
The Boston Celtics have selected Amari Williams with the No. 46 pick. He will be on a two-way contract next season.
British center with an intriguing combination of length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding prowess, shot-blocking timing and feel as a passer. pic.twitter.com/GgmlkryRem
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
The 7-foot center from Nottingham, England, became the second Kentucky player chosen Thursday night after guard Koby Brea went 41st overall. Williams entered the draft as a projected late second-round selection after a standout graduate season with the Wildcats.
Late Basketball Start Explains Extended College Career
Williams came to basketball relatively late, which explains his five-season college career. While he lacks consistent perimeter shooting, he brings considerable upside and fits the Celtics’ forward-looking approach as they build for the future.
PFSN’s Brandon Austin graded the selection a “C,” noting that Williams could carve out a valuable role if Boston treats 2026 as a developmental year.
“Boston’s decision to bring in frontcourt help makes plenty of sense, given they moved off Kristaps Porzingis in the pre-draft process and are clearly managing minutes with an aging Al Horford,” Austin wrote. “All signs suggest the Celtics are viewing 2026 as something of a developmental year, and that runway could be perfect for Williams to grow through real game reps.”
Austin emphasized that Williams’ extended college experience could benefit his NBA transition. “He spent five seasons in college, so his growth curve might look a bit different than a one-and-done prospect, but that experience also means he’s more physically and mentally ready than most second-rounders.”
Defensive Foundation With Offensive Upside
Williams’ skill set centers on interior defense, rebounding, physicality, and court vision. These tools position him to develop into a versatile rotation-level NBA big man, with his basketball IQ and diverse abilities making him a worthwhile long-term investment for Boston.
“If Boston leans into a scheme that accentuates his strengths and minimizes the shooting limitations, Williams has a chance to stick, and stick well,” Austin added. “While many had him pegged as a late second-rounder, his combination of passing, defensive instincts, and interior physicality made him a sneaky fit for teams looking to boost toughness and halfcourt connectivity.”
During his lone season at Kentucky, Williams averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 56.1% from the field. He accomplished this production in just 22.8 minutes per night across 36 games, suggesting significant upside with increased playing time.
“For Boston, this feels like a long-term value play with real upside,” Austin concluded, highlighting the strategic nature of the selection despite the modest grade.
