Boston Celtics Make Strategic Move by Selecting Dominant Big Man Amari Williams to Bolster Frontcourt Depth and Defensive Identity
The Boston Celtics have made a move that could shape the next phase of their title-contending era by selecting Amari Williams in the 2025 NBA Draft. Known for his physical presence, defensive instincts, and shot-blocking prowess, Williams enters the NBA after a decorated college career with high expectations, and Boston believes he is a player who can fit seamlessly into their long-term plans. While this pick might not have drawn as much immediate buzz as others in the draft, those who have watched Williams closely understand that the Celtics may have landed a hidden gem with serious upside.
At 6-foot-10 and nearly 250 pounds, Williams brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and defensive intensity that is increasingly valuable in today’s game. Boston’s selection of Williams is indicative of the franchise’s commitment to maintaining a tough, disciplined identity on defense while adding depth behind their established frontcourt stars. With veteran big men like Al Horford aging and the ever-physical postseason grind exposing depth concerns, the need for a young, physically capable interior presence has become urgent for the Celtics. Williams answers that call and then some.
During his collegiate career at Drexel, Williams was nothing short of dominant on the defensive end. He was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Defensive Player of the Year three times and averaged over two blocks per game across multiple seasons. But his impact goes beyond numbers. He altered countless shots, controlled the paint, and anchored a Drexel team that relied heavily on his presence in the post. Offensively, he showed signs of growth each year, developing reliable post moves, a soft touch around the rim, and even experimenting with mid-range jumpers. While he isn’t projected to be a scoring-first option at the next level, his ability to run the floor, finish in transition, and play within the flow of the offense gives him a strong foundation to contribute immediately in the NBA.
From Boston’s perspective, Williams represents a valuable insurance policy in the short term and a potential rotation mainstay in the long term. The Celtics’ frontcourt — currently featuring Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Robert Williams III — has dealt with injury concerns and minutes restrictions. While Porziņģis brings elite offensive skills and Robert Williams is a defensive anchor when healthy, both have struggled to maintain consistent availability. Horford’s leadership and experience are undeniable, but at 38, his role is naturally declining. Inserting a young, energetic big like Amari Williams into the mix could give Boston the kind of depth and defensive reliability they’ll need during deep playoff runs.
One of the most notable aspects of Williams’ game is his timing and discipline as a shot-blocker. Unlike some big men who chase blocks at the expense of defensive positioning, Williams understands angles and excels at vertical contests. He doesn’t bite easily on pump fakes and knows how to contest without fouling — a skill that’s rare for young big men and should endear him quickly to Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. His rebounding is another strong suit. Williams averaged over eight rebounds per game in college and frequently outmuscled opponents for position. For a Celtics team that often loses the rebounding battle against more physical teams, having a presence like Williams off the bench could be game-changing.
One question scouts had leading up to the draft was how Williams’ dominance in a mid-major conference would translate to the NBA level. Unlike prospects from power conferences, he didn’t face the same elite competition night after night. However, his performances in out-of-conference play, where he consistently held his own against bigger programs, gave NBA teams confidence in his ability to scale up. He’s proven capable of adjusting to higher levels of competition, and Boston’s development system — known for turning role players into critical contributors — should only accelerate his growth.
Another appealing element of the Williams selection is his high character and work ethic. Teammates and coaches have consistently praised his maturity, leadership, and unselfishness. He isn’t a player who demands touches or breaks the flow of an offense. Instead, he fits into a team-first approach, plays within his role, and brings intensity every night. In Boston’s culture — one defined by toughness, sacrifice, and championship aspirations — Williams’ demeanor is a perfect match.
Offensively, while he’s not yet a polished scorer, there is room for optimism. Williams has shown good hands, footwork, and touch around the rim, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. He’s an ideal candidate to develop into a rim-running big who sets strong screens, rolls hard to the basket, and finishes lobs with authority. With playmakers like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday around him, he won’t be asked to create his own offense — just to finish plays and crash the offensive boards. Over time, as he continues to expand his shooting range and polish his post game, he could carve out a larger offensive role.
In many ways, this pick feels like a classic Boston move — smart, strategic, and focused on long-term roster construction rather than short-term headlines. The Celtics have long prioritized defense, depth, and versatility in the draft, and Amari Williams checks all those boxes. He may not be a flashy scorer or highlight machine, but he brings the kind of foundational qualities that help championship teams survive the rigors of an 82-game season and grueling playoff battles.
For Williams, landing with a team like Boston offers the perfect development environment. He’ll have the opportunity to learn from veterans like Horford, Porziņģis, and Robert Williams while contributing in meaningful minutes off the bench. He won’t be thrown into the fire right away, but he also won’t be stashed at the end of the bench. With Boston’s emphasis on defense and team execution, Williams should find himself on the floor when matchups call for size, rim protection, and physicality.
Boston’s selection also sends a message about the team’s awareness of its needs and limitations. Last season’s playoff loss to a physically imposing Miami Heat team revealed vulnerabilities in the Celtics’ interior defense and rebounding. While their perimeter firepower remains elite, Boston’s ability to battle on the glass and protect the paint needed reinforcement. Amari Williams, with his blend of size, strength, and defensive awareness, directly addresses those concerns.
The Celtics’ front office deserves credit for recognizing the value of a player like Williams in today’s NBA. While wings and guards often dominate draft conversations, teams that succeed in the postseason usually have one thing in common — reliable, tough-minded big men who can anchor the defense and play their role. Williams is exactly that. He’s not coming to Boston to be a star right away. He’s coming to fill a need, embrace his role, and contribute to winning basketball.
As the Celtics continue to chase their 18th championship banner, every piece of the roster puzzle matters. Depth, chemistry, and role players often make the difference in close playoff series. Williams’ arrival adds another layer to Boston’s already formidable defense and gives them a young asset who can grow into an even bigger role in the future. He won’t need to do too much, too soon. But as the years go on, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Williams emerge as one of the more valuable role players from this draft class — and a player who helped keep the Celtics in title contention.
In today’s NBA, finding big men who can defend, rebound, run the floor, and stay disciplined within team schemes is no easy task. The Celtics may have done just that with Amari Williams. While his college program might not have drawn national attention, his skill set, mentality, and physical tools project well at the professional level. For Boston, this pick is about more than just talent — it’s about fit, culture, and long-term stability in the frontcourt. And in those areas, Amari Williams delivers.