In a night full of surprises and headline steals, the Boston Celtics may have just pulled off one of the most intriguing moves of the 2025 NBA Draft. With the 46th overall pick, they selected Kentucky center Amari Williams, a towering defensive anchor with untapped potential and a motor that doesn’t quit. Congratulations, Amari — Boston is about to meet its next cult hero.
The 6’10” Williams, originally from Nottingham, England, spent the 2024–25 season anchoring Kentucky’s frontcourt. While not a top-10 draft darling or a viral highlight reel regular, Williams made his name the hard way: dominating the paint, altering shots, cleaning the glass, and setting bruising screens. He’s the kind of player you don’t always notice in the box score, but you feel his impact every time he’s on the court.
The Celtics’ decision to scoop him up in the middle of the second round speaks volumes — not just about Williams, but about Boston’s long-term vision. With a roster already brimming with All-Star firepower, they’re betting on defense, development, and high-IQ hustle. And in Williams, they may have found the perfect low-risk, high-reward fit.
At Kentucky, Williams averaged 8.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Those numbers might seem modest until you consider how little Kentucky relied on him offensively. His real gift lies in rim protection and defensive rotations — skills the Celtics will relish as they continue to build one of the most suffocating defensive teams in the league.
Draft experts are already buzzing, calling the pick “a potential steal” and “Brad Stevens’ latest masterclass in second-round scouting.” And Boston fans? They’re watching clips of Williams swatting layups into the bleachers and dreaming of his first alley-oop from Jayson Tatum.
More than just a raw prospect, Amari Williams brings maturity, humility, and international flair to a locker room that values team-first culture. He’s walked a different path — from England to college ball in the U.S., from overlooked recruit to NBA draftee — and now he’s ready for the brightest stage of all.
As the TD Garden faithful gear up for another championship run, don’t be surprised if it’s the rookie big man with the British roots who becomes a fan favorite by year’s end.
Boston, meet Amari Williams. He’s got something to prove — and a city ready to believe in him.
