The 2024-2025 Boston Celtics have struggled with consistency this season, which is largely due to their four departures in the offseason and superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined with injury. As a result, head coach Joe Mazzulla has had to constantly toy with the rotation in an attempt to find the best lineup.
Since backup centers Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Chris Boucher have failed to contribute recently, Mazzulla has adopted the small-ball approach. With this, Mazzulla has utilized just one center, relying heavily on wing players both on and off the bench. Since the approach hasn’t been as effective as of late, Mazzulla must give rookie big man Amari Williams an opportunity to prove himself.
Amari Williams Deserves an Opportunity to Earn a Role
Despite currently sitting as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics must make a change to their current rotation. They’ve suffered two back-to-back losses, which could’ve been avoided if the team had a spurt of energy and toughness.
Williams provides just that. In college, Williams displayed his ferocious presence on the defensive end, winning three consecutive CAA Defensive Player of the Year awards at Drexel University.
Although he’s a terrific defender, Williams’ most impressive skill set is on the offensive side. For a big man, Williams is a great passer and has tremendous court vision. Through the last few years, he’s continued to grow and excel in this area.
Last year, in his lone season at the University of Kentucky, Williams averaged 3.2 assists. This year, in the G League with the Maine Red Claws, Williams is averaging 5.2 assists. Not only that, but Williams is also capable of leading the fastbreaks and making the right decision with the ball, which the other Celtics’ big men cannot do.
He can do everything you want your traditional big man to do on the glass and on defense, while also having the skillset and tools you want in this new era of big men. Williams just needs playing time to sharpen it.
Despite their inconsistent production, the Celtics continue to play forwards Sam Hauser and Josh Minott. While Hauser gives the Celtics an elite threat from distance and Minott gives them crucial hustle plays, they struggle to provide the Celtics with anything else.
Since the Celtics are crowded with wings, they must consider cutting their minutes and giving them to Williams. With Williams, he gives them another playmaker and a boost on the glass, as they currently rank 28th in assists (24.1) and 19th in rebounds (43.4) per game.
In addition, Williams provides the Celtics with another rim-protector, which starting center Neemias Queta has done a fine job at, helping them rank seventh in blocks (5.3). With general manager Brad Stevens still figuring out what he has with this year’s team, the Celtics should see what they have with Williams.
At this point, the Celtics have nothing to lose seeing what Williams can provide the Celtics, as giving him a workload will only grow his game.