Amari Williams Joins Boston Celtics at No. 46—Inside the Kentucky Standout’s Path to the 2025 NBA Draft Steal

Rookie big man Amari Williams is officially headed to the NBA after the Boston Celtics selected the 6-10 center with the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The late-second-round move gives Boston another rim-protecting option while capping Williams’ remarkable climb from Drexel standout to Kentucky graduate transfer to professional prospect. Breakout year at Kentucky After earning three straight Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year awards at Drexel, Williams used his extra season of eligibility to test himself in the SEC. The Sheffield, England native averaged 12.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks for John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats, showcasing improved footwork, a reliable right-hand hook and switch-ability on the perimeter. Why the Celtics pounced at 46 Boston entered the draft looking for affordable size behind All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum and veteran center Kristaps Porziņģis. Williams’ 7-5 wingspan, elite help-side timing and willingness to run the floor fit president of basketball operations Brad Stevens’ search for defensive versatility. League scouts also praised the 23-year-old’s maturity after five collegiate seasons and a mechanical engineering degree already in hand. Fit with Joe Mazzulla’s scheme Head coach Joe Mazzulla leans on drop coverage and spread pick-and-rolls—both align with Williams’ strengths. He ranked in the 92nd percentile nationally as a roll man last season and held opponents to 43 percent shooting at the rim, per Synergy Sports data. Boston believes those tools can translate quickly, potentially allowing Williams to compete with Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta for rotation minutes as a rookie. Path to a guaranteed contract Second-round picks must still earn a standard NBA deal, but Williams’ combination of upside and need on the roster makes him a strong candidate for one of the Celtics’ three open roster spots. Expect him to debut in next month’s Las Vegas Summer League, where his motor, rebounding and shot-blocking could force the front office’s hand. What’s next • Summer League debut: July 12 vs. Miami Heat • Training camp: Late September in Boston • 2025–26 season goals: Secure a full-time roster slot, provide 10–15 high-energy minutes, develop a mid-range jumper to keep defenses honest. Bottom line The Boston Celtics may have uncovered another second-round gem. If Amari Williams continues the growth curve he displayed at Kentucky, his rim protection and pick-and-roll prowess could bolster a championship-ready core sooner rather than later.