Celtics trade down early in second round to select Kentucky’s big man.
After picking Hugo Gonzalez with the 28th overall pick in Round 1 of the NBA Draft and trading the 32nd pick to the Orlando Magic, the Boston Celtics selected Amari Williams from the University of Kentucky with the 46th pick.
The Boston Celtics have selected Amari Williams with the No. 46 pick.
British center with an intriguing combination of length (7-foot-6 wingspan), rebounding prowess, shot-blocking timing and feel as a passer. pic.twitter.com/6PMGNWrdD7
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
The 23-year Williams played four seasons with Drexel before transferring to UK where he averaged 10.9 PPG, 8.5 REB, 3.2 AST on 56% shooting from the field, and 25% shooting from three this season.
His player comparisons from RotoWire.com say his game is similar to Jakob Poeltl. They say, “Williams projects as a reliable rotational big man at the NBA level, capable of contributing as a defensive anchor and facilitator. His combination of size, defensive acumen and passing ability makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile center who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”
There is a chance that the 6’10”, 227-pound Williams might play in the Celtics rotation this season due to a lack of center depth. Although prioritizing resigning Al Horford and Luke Kornet is top of mind for Boston, he could still get some run at center throughout the early part of the season depending on what happens.
The Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren raved about Williams skillset after the draft saying he was one of the best passing big men in college basketball as well as commenting on his wingspan saying, “When you meet him, you’ll see that he has an enormous, enormous wingspan.”
Mike Zarren says of Celtics draft pick Amari Williams: “When you meet him, you’ll see that he has an enormous, enormous wingspan.”
(It’s 7-foot-6) pic.twitter.com/Dt0qduxcoG
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) June 27, 2025
Zarren also mentioned that Williams and the Celtics 57th overall pick Max Shulga will likely be signed to two-way contracts.
Mike Zarren said the Celtics’ second-round picks will likely end up on two-way contracts.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 27, 2025
No. 46 picks over the past decade have been a bit of a mixed bag but some solid role players have succeeded recently:
- 2024: Cam Christie (Los Angeles Clippers)
- 2023: Seth Lundy (Atlanta Hawks)
- 2022: Ismael Kamagate (Denver Nuggets)
- 2021: Dalano Banton (Toronto Raptors)
- 2020: CJ Elleby (Portland Trail Blazers)
- 2019: Talen Horton-Tucker (Orlando Magic)
- 2018: De’Anthony Melton (Houston Rockets)
- 2017: Sterling Brown (Philadelphia 76ers)
- 2016: AJ Hammons (Dallas Mavericks)
- 2015: Norman Powell (Milwaukee Bucks)
The Celtics originally started the night with the 32nd pick and traded it to the Magic. Orlando would take Noah Penda and in exchange, Boston received the No. 46 and 57 picks in the 2025 Draft, a 2026 most favorable second-rounder of Detroit, Milwaukee, Orlando, and a 2027 second that is most favorable of Orlando and Boston.