The Boston Celtics, a franchise synonymous with championship pedigree, have once again made a savvy move to bolster their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season. On Friday, the team officially signed Amari Williams, their No. 46 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to a two-way contract, as confirmed by the NBA transactions log. This seven-foot center from England, who showcased his talents at Kentucky, is more than just a draft steal acquired through a shrewd trade with the Orlando Magic. His signing has sparked excitement among Celtics fans, lighting up social media with optimism about his potential to shine both in Boston and with the Maine Celtics in the G League. Williams’s journey—from a standout at Drexel to a promising big man at Kentucky—embodies resilience, skill, and untapped potential. As the Celtics aim to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit, Williams’s addition signals their commitment to building depth with versatile, high-character players.
Amari Williams’s path to the NBA is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born in England, he began his collegiate career at Drexel University, where he established himself as a defensive force, earning the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Year award three times. Seeking a bigger stage, Williams transferred to Kentucky for his final season, where he averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game across 36 contests, shooting an impressive 56.1% from the field. His 10 double-doubles underscored his ability to dominate the paint on both ends of the court. At 7 feet tall, Williams combines size with surprising playmaking ability, a rare trait for a big man. His passing vision and defensive instincts caught the eye of NBA scouts, making him an intriguing prospect for a Celtics team known for valuing versatility.
The Celtics’ acquisition of Williams was a masterclass in draft-day maneuvering. On draft night, Boston traded their No. 32 overall pick to the Orlando Magic, securing Williams at No. 46, Max Shulga at No. 57, and two future second-round picks. This deal not only added young talent but also provided future flexibility, a hallmark of president of basketball operations Brad Stevens’s strategy. Sources reported to MassLive that a two-way deal for Williams was always in the cards, but the Celtics needed to clear roster space. Earlier this week, they waived Miles Norris, opening two-way slots for Williams and undrafted rookie RJ Luis Jr., who was acquired from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Georges Niang and two second-round picks. With Williams, Shulga, and Luis Jr. now filling Boston’s three two-way slots, the team has one standard roster spot left, sitting $12 million over the luxury tax line after the Niang trade.
Williams’s first taste of professional basketball came in the Las Vegas Summer League, where he played four games for the Celtics, who posted a strong 4-1 record. Averaging 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 17.6 minutes per game, Williams flashed his potential as a passer and defender. However, his 44% shooting around the basket revealed areas for improvement, particularly in finishing under pressure. Fans and analysts noted his ability to read the floor, a skill that could complement Boston’s fast-paced, ball-movement-heavy system under coach Joe Mazzulla. Social media buzzed with excitement, with @HoodieVex tweeting, “Big dog got his chance and made the most of it 🔥,” and @CelticsGRD predicting “a lot of 15 rebound games for the Maine Celtics.” The nickname “Timelord” even resurfaced, as @cloudxjumper remarked on the nostalgic feeling of seeing No. 77 with “Williams” on the back, reminiscent of former Celtic Robert Williams III.
As a two-way player, Williams can appear in up to 50 regular-season games for Boston without counting against the salary cap, a cost-effective way to develop young talent while maintaining roster flexibility. His role will likely involve shuttling between the NBA and the G League’s Maine Celtics, where he’s expected to refine his game. Fans like @TheMetsX are optimistic, noting, “He’ll probably have a really nice year in Maine, he can use it.” This opportunity aligns perfectly with Williams’s skill set: a big man who can anchor the defense, facilitate plays, and grow into a reliable rotation player. His college stats suggest he’s ready to dominate in the G League, potentially posting monster rebounding numbers while honing his scoring efficiency.
The Celtics’ decision to invest in Williams reflects their broader strategy of blending immediate competitiveness with long-term development. Coming off a 61-21 season as the Eastern Conference’s second seed, Boston’s playoff loss to the New York Knicks in the second round was a bitter pill. With stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, the team needs depth to withstand the grind of an 82-game season and beyond. Williams, alongside fellow two-way players Shulga and Luis Jr., represents the next wave of talent to support that mission. As @BeverlyLevay tweeted, “Congratulations, Amari! Smart move, Celtics, he’s a great player and even better person!”—a sentiment that highlights Williams’s reputation as a high-character individual who can thrive in Boston’s culture of teamwork and accountability.
Amari Williams’s signing to a two-way contract is more than a roster transaction; it’s a statement of the Boston Celtics’ vision for sustained excellence. From his defensive dominance at Drexel to his versatile play at Kentucky, Williams brings a unique blend of size, skill, and heart to a team hungry for another championship run. His Summer League performance, while not flawless, offered a glimpse of his potential to contribute as a playmaking big man. As he toggles between Boston and Maine, fans are already dreaming of his impact, from double-doubles in the G League to clutch minutes in the NBA. In a city that lives and breathes basketball, Williams’s journey is a reminder that every roster spot, no matter how small, carries the weight of hope and ambition. As you scroll through your feed, let this story inspire you to root for the underdog—the seven-footer from England ready to carve his name into Celtics lore.