Expectations weren't exactly high surrounding Amari Williams when he was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 46th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Yet, following a tumultuous offseason that saw Boston say goodbye to a majority of its big rotation, Williams was signed to a two-way deal to bring some much-needed size to the front court.
Coming into the 2025-26 season, Williams’ path to consistent minutes looked dull with the arrival of former Minnesota Timberwolf Luka Garza and the continued presence of Neemias Queta. As a result, Williams has spent the majority of the season with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League affiliate.
After some hard work, Williams has been with Boston since Jan. 17 and has since earned a regular role in the rotation. He has taken full advantage of this opportunity, especially of late. During the Celtics’ last three games, Williams has averaged 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while playing just 17 minutes per contest.
The NBA trade deadline is less than a week away, and the Celtics' frontcourt needs are well-documented. Having said that, Williams' recent improvements might give Boston plenty to think about in the coming days.
Amari Williams May Have Flipped the Script on Celtics' Trade Deadline Needs
For a team that has failed to get the same level of production out of its bigs from previous seasons, giving the rookie big man more opportunities may be the best plan of action. With the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5, the Celtics, who sit tied for second in the Eastern Conference, could be huge buyers for a frontcourt upgrade.
However, to acquire a true difference-maker, such as the Los Angeles Clippers' big man Ivica Zubac or Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, de facto general manager Brad Stevens would have to part ways with valuable draft picks or key rotation players.
Given how well Boston has performed to date, potentially tinkering with the team’s rotations and chemistry may not be the best move.
So far this year, the Boston Celtics have excelled in a rebuilding season. Aside from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, the majority of the rotation is filled with players who were undervalued or overlooked by their previous teams. Considering their current standing in the Eastern Conference, there is little reason to make drastic changes. Instead, the team should prioritize developing its young players and expanding their roles, and Williams has shown he deserves the opportunity.
In limited time with Maine, Williams has proven to be a defensive menace, averaging 2.0 blocks and nearly one steal per game. He has also shown growth on the offensive end, averaging 17.3 points, 4.4 assists, and nearly 12 rebounds per game. If he can even have a fraction of that impact for the rest of the NBA regular season, the Celtics' frontcourt outlook will be much better.
Williams has the skill set to be a long-term piece of Boston’s big man rotation. He has shown himself to be a two-way center; all he needs is a consistent opportunity. If the Celtics' front court remains unchanged after next Thursday, Williams should get his chance and prove to the organization and the Boston faithful that he can be a valuable contributor to a championship team.