Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla just sent shockwaves through the NBA with a bold, unexpected decision: rookie two-way center Amari Williams will make his first career start at center tonight against the Chicago Bulls on the second night of a back-to-back.
Yes, you read that right. The 23-year-old who has spent most of the season dominating with the Maine Celtics is suddenly thrust into the spotlight in Chicago, and the Bulls’ frontcourt is about to face a player they almost certainly didn’t game-plan for as a starter.
Just 24 hours ago, Williams was still in Maine. He flew into New York mere hours before tip-off against the Nets, suited up on short notice when Neemias Queta fell ill, and delivered a clutch five-minute cameo in a double-overtime thriller: 3 points, an assist, and a massive block that helped seal the victory. The poise he showed under those chaotic circumstances clearly caught Mazzulla’s eye—and now the coach is rewarding him with a starting nod.
“I flew in two hours before from Maine,” Williams told reporters after Friday’s win. “Did the shootaround this morning, thought I was going to play there tonight. Neemi wasn’t feeling great, so I flew in today. Just trying to be ready for whatever.”
That “whatever” just became a starting role against a Bulls team that had no reason to expect Williams to be in the opening lineup.
Neemias Queta is officially available tonight despite the illness, but after playing heavy minutes in Brooklyn and still recovering, don’t be surprised if his workload is managed carefully. Luke Kornet (Luka Garza in some reports) remains in his usual reserve role. All signs point to Williams getting significant run—and a real chance to make a statement.
In limited action this season, Williams has appeared in just nine games for Boston, logging 52 total minutes. Tonight, that number is about to skyrocket.
The Bulls walked into this weekend thinking they knew exactly what Boston’s center rotation would look like. They were wrong.
Buckle up, Chicago. Amari Williams is coming—and the Celtics just changed everything with one stunning roster move.