The Boston Celtics have certainly had a topsy-turvy offseason, as they have been forced to part ways with numerous key pieces from their 2024 championship team due to financial constraints.
The Celtics traded both Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday earlier this offseason, they lost Luke Kornet, and they also don’t seem likely to re-sign Al Horford, who remains a free agent.
More news: Report: Warriors, Al Horford Situation Receives New Update
As a result, Boston’s frontcourt depth has been absolutely decimated, with Neemias Queta currently projected to slot in as the team’s starting center. Queta may have potential, but the C’s absolutely need more players up front.
The Celtics attempted to add to their stable of bigs in the NBA Draft, bagging Kentucky center Amari Williams — who was initially selected by the Orlando Magic before being dealt to Boston — with the 46th overall pick.
Now, the C’s have ensured that Williams will be a part of their future, England native to a two-way contract, via Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.
Williams actually began his collegiate career at Drexel, spending four seasons with the Dragons before transferring to Kentucky for the 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game during his lone campaign with the Wildcats, shooting 56.1 percent from the floor.
The seven-footer is not much of a floor spacer, but he possesses tremendous athleticism and is actually a very adept passer. Plus, there is still plenty of time for him to improve upon his all-around offensive repertoire.
Right now, the Celtics are simply desperate for bodies down low. Queta has shown some flashes in limited playing time, and Boston did sign free-agent big men Luka Garza and Chris Boucher, but the C’s need to bring in as many centers as possible in order to find the right fit.
The 2025-26 campaign will represent a bridge year for the Celtics, who will be without Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. Yes, Boston still has some championship DNA remaining in pieces like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, but this team is a long way off from its 2024 title form.
More news: Lakers, Austin Reaves Receive Huge Future Update
Luckily, the Celtics have a rich history of drafting well and making shrewd trades to put together strong, contending rosters, so Boston should be back in contention relatively soon. Perhaps Williams could represent a part of that for the C’s.
Whether or not the Kentucky product actually plays significant minutes for the Celtics’ NBA squad next season is another story, though.
For more on the Boston Celtics and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
