**BLOCKBUSTER DRAFT TWIST: Orlando Magic Select Amari Williams, Then Stun NBA by Trading Him to Boston Celtics—C’s Add Frontcourt Firepower in High-Stakes Draft Night Surprise**

Amari Williams found his name called on draft night, but what followed was a twist that turned heads across the NBA. The Orlando Magic selected the Drexel standout, only to immediately pivot and send him packing to one of the league’s most iconic franchises—the Boston Celtics. It was the kind of move that reaffirms just how unpredictable the NBA Draft can be. For Williams, it marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in spectacular fashion. For the Celtics, it may turn out to be the latest stroke of genius in their ongoing quest to remain perennial contenders in a rapidly shifting league landscape.

The 6-foot-10 forward had been projected as a late second-round pick or a potential undrafted steal, depending on how teams viewed his upside versus his competition level at Drexel. But when the Orlando Magic stepped up to take him, they clearly saw value—value they knew another team was ready to cash in on. That team was the Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship run and eager to bolster their bench with versatile, high-upside talent capable of developing behind a core that includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the ever-important presence of Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford.

Williams, a three-time Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, brings a defensive presence, rebounding prowess, and shot-blocking instincts that align perfectly with Boston’s system. His ability to defend multiple positions and serve as an agile rim protector makes him a perfect developmental fit for Joe Mazzulla’s defensive schemes. Though he may not be asked to contribute heavily in year one, his presence adds depth to a frontcourt that knows the grind of an 82-game season can take its toll.

What makes this move so compelling is the context in which it happened. Boston, having just captured Banner 18, could have stood pat. Instead, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens stayed aggressive, seizing the opportunity to add a player with a defined identity and upside without having to sacrifice future flexibility. By targeting Williams, the Celtics showed they aren’t merely satisfied with their current rotation—they’re thinking years down the line, preparing to refresh their depth with hungry, coachable talent.

The story of Amari Williams is one of consistent growth and overlooked potential. Coming from Drexel, he didn’t have the exposure or marquee matchups of his high-major counterparts. Yet, his numbers spoke volumes—averaging nearly a double-double with elite-level defensive metrics, Williams caught the eyes of scouts willing to look beyond blue-blood programs. His commitment to defense, his rim-running ability, and his willingness to do the dirty work earned him draft attention, and clearly, Boston was among those watching closely.

For the Magic, the pick-and-trade tactic reflects strategic maneuvering. Orlando already boasts a crowded frontcourt with Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Jonathan Isaac, and others vying for minutes. Drafting Williams gave them a valuable trade asset—a chip to flip and perhaps gain future considerations or roster balance. While the terms of the trade are still unfolding, what’s certain is that this was a move intended to benefit both franchises in the short and long term.

From a Celtics perspective, Williams offers not just an extra big man but a developmental project who can learn behind veterans. With Al Horford nearing the end of his illustrious career and Porziņģis dealing with durability concerns, having a young, athletic option who can be molded into a rotational contributor is crucial. The Celtics’ player development staff has a strong record—evident in how Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have matured into reliable assets—and Williams now enters that pipeline with a real chance to thrive.

What this also signifies is a broader trend in the NBA—teams are valuing specialists more than ever. Williams isn’t being asked to come in and score 20 points a game. He’s being brought in to guard, to set hard screens, to rebound relentlessly, and to become the kind of glue guy who earns minutes through hustle and heart. That kind of value doesn’t always show up on highlight reels, but it often shows up in playoff series, where depth and grit can tilt the scales.

The NBA Draft, especially in its second round, is as much about finding diamonds in the rough as it is about adding depth. Many teams shy away from second-rounders or stash them overseas. Boston, however, has historically used these picks to unearth hidden gems—think of players like Semi Ojeleye, Grant Williams, or even more recently, Sam Hauser, who was undrafted yet carved out a role. Amari Williams walks into a culture where effort is rewarded, roles are clearly defined, and winning is paramount.

For Williams personally, the move to Boston could not be more fortuitous. Joining a championship organization with established leadership gives him the infrastructure to succeed. He won’t be thrown into the fire immediately, which is a blessing for a player transitioning from the mid-major level. Instead, he can learn, develop, and pick his spots. By practicing against elite talent, from Tatum to Porziņģis, he’ll improve by osmosis alone.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have every reason to be pleased. They secured a player who checks multiple boxes—defensive tenacity, size, coachability, and a chip on his shoulder—with minimal risk. In a league increasingly governed by salary cap gymnastics, cheap and productive rookie contracts are gold, and Williams has the potential to become a value piece on such a deal.

While the move may not dominate the headlines the way a lottery pick would, it’s the kind of transaction that savvy front offices make to stay ahead. The Celtics are in win-now mode, yes, but they’re also in sustained success mode. Drafting and developing players like Williams ensures they don’t have to overpay for role players down the line or scramble to fill injury gaps come playoff time.

NBA history is full of late-round selections and draft-night trades that turned into pivotal storylines. While it’s too soon to tell what Amari Williams’ ultimate arc will be, he enters the league under the spotlight of Boston—a place where expectations are sky-high and winning is the standard. If he embraces the grind, leans into his strengths, and learns from the veterans around him, he has every chance to become yet another example of how opportunity, preparation, and the right team fit can write a success story few saw coming.

In the whirlwind that is NBA Draft night, the Celtics once again found a way to improve the margins. They did it not by making noise at the top of the board but by seeing potential where others saw risk. That’s the mark of a team that understands not only where it is but where it wants to go. For Amari Williams, the journey to the NBA may have started at Drexel and paused briefly in Orlando, but it now takes on new life in Boston—a city where banners hang and legacies are made.