Here’s a deep dive into Amari Williams’ surprising NBA Draft selection and pre-draft trade, exploring how he went from under-the-radar to a pro, despite not featuring on many mock boards—along with context, analysis, and reactions.
June 26, 2025 – Kentucky’s versatile center Amari Williams was picked 46th overall in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics
Immediately after the pick, his draft rights were traded before he ever took the court, reportedly going to Boston from Orlando—likely part of pre-arranged draft-night deals .
Remarkably, Williams was virtually absent from most mock drafts. For instance, ESPN’s final two-round mock projected him at 53rd overall to Utah while CBS’s big board, released just weeks before, listed him at #48—one of the lowest-ranked Kentucky players
A 7′0″, 255-lb lefty center with a massive 7′6″ wingspan, known for elite length and physical tools
Posted solid numbers in his Kentucky debut season: 10.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 BLK, with 56.1% FG over 36 games
One of the few players in NCAA and SEC history to reach significant milestones: 375+ points, 300+ rebounds, 100+ assists, 40+ blocks, 20+ steals in a season At Drexel, he was a 3-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year, finishing with 186 career blocks
The Celtics traded down early in the 2nd round (after picks 28 and 32) to land the Boston pick at 46 for Williams
With veterans Porziņģis traded and Horford/Kornet’s futures uncertain, Boston cleverly targets depth—drafting Williams to bolster their frontcourt mix
Reports indicate Williams is expected to sign a two-way contract—a strategic move to develop him in the G League while monitoring his fit
Without a reliable jumper (9 3P makes in 141 college games) and shaky FT shooting, most evaluators saw him as a defensive specialist at best
ESPN and CBS had him ranked low (#48 on CBS board), while most mock drafts had him outside the top 50 .
His rare blend of passing, rebounding, and defensive IQ gave him a unique profile—an NBA-ready role-player rather than a projectable shooter The Celtics’ move suggests they believed they could unlock his potential with targeted development—making him a valuable, low-cost asset.
Head coach Mark Pope praised Williams’ journey from Nottingham→Drexel→Kentucky→NBA, highlighting his unorthodox path and hard-earned draft success
It’s a meaningful milestone: under Pope, Kentucky had its first two NBA picks, continuing a school-record streak of having multiple draftees
ESPN draft guru Jonathan Givony expressed surprise at the pick, noting Williams would land a two-way deal and spotlighting his length, rebound, passing, and defense.
Mock drafts largely overlooked him until close to draft night—an underdog storyline with a pay-off.
- Social feeds lit up with Kentucky fans celebrating the unexpected adds of Brea and Williams—a testament to Pope’s program-building
- Celtics fans, per CelticsBlog, saw the acquisition as a high-upside, low-risk move—a “Jakob Poeltl style” center with team defense and passing traits
- Expect initial G League seasoning under a two-way deal—focused on improving foot speed, expanding range, and refining pick-and-roll defense .
- If he can add shooting and mobility, he may carve a niche as a stretch-five facilitator or defensive anchor.
- With modern NBA lineups valuing versatility and spacing, his offensive passing and rim protection give him a foundation. Still, his ceiling may remain as rotational, not star-level .
- For the Celtics, it’s a low-cost gamble: if he fails, minimal impact; if he develops, a valuable rolepiece.
- Mock drafts aren’t gospel — front offices scout beyond hype, often seeing traits beyond public consensus.
- Pre-draft trades signal trust — Boston likely lined up Williams ahead of time, indicating intent regardless of his draft-day buzz.
- Role-specific drafting — teams increasingly target specialists (e.g. “defensive playmaker centers”) to fill precise roster needs.
Amari Williams’ draft story shines as a rare blend of underdog rise, front-office conviction, and strategic roster building. Though overlooked in public evaluations, his unique blend of physical tools, defensive instincts, passing touch, and grit convinced the Celtics to use pick 46. Now on a two-way deal, he has a chance to develop—while Boston smartly hedges with low risk.
- Drafted 46th (2nd round) to Boston, rights traded in late-night dea
- Absent from most mock boards, ranked mid-40s at best .
- Elite length (7′6″ wingspan), rim-protector, high IQ passer, strong rebounder
- Weaknesses: limited shooting, slow foot speed
- Celtics strategy: two-way contract, low-risk roll, possible high-reward rotation piece .
- Coach Pope and Kentucky celebrate overlooked Wildcats’ pro-level development .
- Takeaway: Draft surprises are born of deep scouting, role targeting, and belief in untapped potential.
