Former University of Kentucky big man Amari Williams has not exactly had the typical introduction to the NBA for a player taken near the end of the second round of the draft (at No. 46 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft for those among us wanting the specifics). His advanced passing chops got him on Boston's radar ahead of the draft, but his lack of a nose for rebounding allowed him to slip to the Celtics range in the first place.
This unusual combination of strengths and weaknesses for a frontcourt player had Williams suiting up with the Maine Celtics to start the 2025-26 regular season, the Nottingham, England native nearly slipping out of the collective consciousness of many fans while Boston got off to a better-than-expected start. But then starting Celtics center Neemias Queta sprained his ankle, opening up a need for Williams' size with the parent club.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe two way big man impressed with his rim protection in a surprise win vs. the Detroit Pistons, earning him another shot at floor time with Boston against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday (Nov. 30), and his next-man-up play earned him the praise of coach Joe Mazzulla for how he approached the game despite irregular time on the court with Boston.
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amari Williams (77) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images"Amari not playing in the game, and having to go in in a need-to-situation -- you don't understand how important those details are and (how) every possession gives you a chance, and you end up guarding the guy in that last place," said Mazzulla via the Celtics.
"But, hey, that's a great mindset win. And notice (the) pockets of the game where we were playing with a sense of competitive joy and togetherness. That's what got us through, and that's what we have to keep up, and that's toughness."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Amari Williams is example of readiness for Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla
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