Boston Banks on Kentucky Size and Potential — Amari Williams Joins Celtics at No. 46, But Is He More Than Just a Project?
The Boston Celtics, fresh off another deep playoff run, made a calculated, long-term move in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Amari Williams, a towering forward from Kentucky, with the 46th overall pick.
The move might not have grabbed the national headlines, but those paying attention to Boston’s draft strategy know better — this isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s a carefully considered gamble on size, defensive upside, and the developmental infrastructure that has helped the Celtics quietly build one of the league’s deepest rotations.
But the question remains: Is Amari Williams just a raw project, or could he become Boston’s next homegrown success story?
Williams’ Profile: Size, Defense, and Untapped Upside
Standing at 6-foot-10, with a wingspan that caught the attention of NBA scouts throughout the pre-draft process, Amari Williams brings exactly what teams crave in the modern NBA — size, length, mobility, and defensive versatility.
During his time with the Kentucky Wildcats, Williams carved out a reputation as an interior disruptor, averaging:
✅ 7.9 points per game
✅ 6.2 rebounds per game
✅ 1.8 blocks per game
While not a prolific scorer, Williams’ defensive instincts, rim protection, and switchability stood out. NBA scouts praised his footwork, timing, and potential to guard multiple positions — a skill set perfectly suited for Boston’s defensive-minded identity.
Why the Celtics Made the Pick
With their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis intact, the Celtics aren’t in desperate need of immediate production from a second-round pick. Instead, they can afford to invest time and resources into developing a player like Williams — much like they did with past projects such as Grant Williams and Robert Williams III, who both grew into vital contributors.
Celtics President Brad Stevens offered insight into the pick following the draft:
“We liked Amari’s size, defensive tools, and his willingness to embrace a role. We’re not asking him to be a star overnight — we’re excited to see how he grows within our system.”
More Than Just a Project? The Case for Patience
The label of “project” often follows big men with raw offensive games, but Williams brings more polish than some may realize. His soft touch around the rim, improved mid-range jumper, and underrated passing ability suggest there’s more to his game than just rim protection.
Add in his Kentucky pedigree — a program known for producing NBA-ready talent — and there’s reason to believe that with time, Williams could exceed expectations.
For a team like Boston, known for patience and development, the situation couldn’t be better for the young big man.
Kentucky to the NBA: Another Wildcat Joins the League
Williams’ selection also marks another success story for Kentucky’s NBA pipeline, which has long been considered one of the most reliable talent factories in college basketball. With Mark Pope now at the helm, the Wildcats are still producing pros — and Williams becomes the latest name to carry that tradition forward.
