This summer, Amari Williams has shown off his versatile skillset for the Boston Celtics . In the team’s first five summer league games, Boston won four, while posting strong numbers across the board.
Williams was selected with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, after the Celtics acquired the pick from the Orlando Magic. Following the departure of Latvian seven-footer Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics needed to address the hole at center prior to the 2025-26 season.
Although he has appeared in just under 18 minutes per contest, scouts have become enamored by Williams unique playmaking skills. With over six points, five rebounds, and just under two assists per game, Williams has contributed in multiple ways to the Celtics success.
This should come as no surprise to Drexel basketball fans, as Williams would often pivot and pass out when facing multiple defenders in the DAC paint. While a near seven-footer with a huge wingspan is not traditionally seen as a primary facilitator, the British big man’s passing should help earn him more time in the rotation.
His shot-blocking ability, although not as prominently seen in his first four games, is another strength the team and head coach Joe Mazzula hopes to develop. Williams won three consecutive CAA defensive player of the year awards in University City, which he translated into being a strong defender for Kentucky last year.
Early in his pro career, sportswriters identified Williams’ offensive rebounding performance as a stat that has lagged behind others. The center recorded over two offensive rebounds per game in each of his final four seasons in college, yet has just six such rebounds in his first four summer league contests.
With the Celtics having a rather inexperienced collection of centers for this season, Williams’ has seized his opportunity in the summer league. Basketball returns to TD Garden in October, where Boston faces both Toronto and Cleveland in preseason matches.