The Celtics entered Day 2 of the NBA Draft with the 32nd pick and moved back to select Kentucky center Amari Williams at No. 46.
A massive anchor big at the heart of Kentucky’s run to the Sweet 16, Amari Williams is a strength-based center that’s also one of the draft’s more refined playmaking bigs.
Williams doesn’t have a lot of polish as a scorer despite being a 23-year-old prospect with five years of college experience, but he’s so strong and forceful that he can leave a mark as a putback threat. He’s a commendable post big that displays a sharp playmaking eye on the block, though his touch around the rim leaves something to be desired.
On defense, he’s a bit laboring, with heavy feet and positioning that can get him in trouble as a drop big. While his best days of shot-blocking came at Drexel, he wasn’t nearly as forceful in his lone season at Kentucky, where he finished with a 6% block percentage, far and away the lowest of his college career.
I had Williams as a late second round prospect entering the draft. His strength, rebounding and passing potential are enticing traits, but he’ll have to improve defensively and shape out his offensive impact in a more well-rounded fashion before jumping into an NBA rotation.
Amari Williams, Kentucky, 23 years old – Center
7’0”, 262 lbs.
Season Stats (36 games): 11 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3 APG, 56% FG, 25% 3P, 62% FT, 1 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 2 TOV
+ Averaged a career-best three assists per game at Kentucky. Has a way of placing enough touch on overhead passes, and can find more difficult passing windows when posted up on the block
+ Solid screener. Reliable handoff hub because of it (1.11 PPP on dribble handoffs, 81st percentile)
+ Very solid rebounder with strength to win box out positioning (30% Defensive rebound percentage)
+ Postups accounted for 27% of his shots and he was reasonably proficient in that area, mostly relying on his power to bulldoze his way to better looks (0.95 PPP, 69th percentile)
– Averaged two blocks per game in three straight seasons in the CAA, but didn’t make his presence known enough as Kentucky’s primary rim protector (6.1% BLK%)
– Heavy feet as a drop coverage big. Often doesn’t drop back quick enough, leading to lobs over his head
– Lacks consistent scoring touch outside the restricted area
– Career 63% FT shooter
– Doesn’t have the footwork or speed to be a switch big
Shades of: Trevion Williams, Mason Plumlee
Note: NBA Combine measurables record height without shoes. All season stat totals have been rounded up to whole numbers.