Amari Williams: The Rising Two-Way Star and the Future of Versatile Big Men
The Boston Celtics, and their G League affiliate the Maine Celtics, are seeing a potential gem emerge in rookie Amari Williams. Initially a sparingly used two-way contract player, Williams is rapidly turning heads with his impactful play, suggesting a growing trend in the NBA: the increasing value of versatile, high-effort big men who excel in multiple facets of the game.
From Benchwarmer to Key Contributor: A Recent Surge
For weeks, reports from the Maine Celtics focused on player development. Now, the spotlight is on Williams himself. His recent performances, particularly a clutch 2+1 and a crucial block against the Brooklyn Nets in a double-overtime thriller, have caught the eye of Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. This isn’t just about scoring; it’s about making winning plays when they matter most.
This momentum translated into increased playing time. A brief stint against the Bulls led to a more substantial 26-minute performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, where Williams delivered 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. This isn’t a statistical explosion, but it’s a clear indication of trust from the coaching staff and a growing comfort level within the NBA game.
The Modern Big Man: More Than Just Points and Rebounds
What’s driving Williams’ success? It’s not just traditional big-man skills. Coach Mazzulla highlighted Williams’ ability to set effective screens, protect the rim, and rebound, but also emphasized his “ethic of work” and “ability to read the game.” This speaks to a broader shift in the NBA. Teams are prioritizing big men who can contribute to multiple areas, not just scoring in the post.
Jaylen Brown echoed this sentiment, praising Williams’ rim protection and positioning. “He was there where he needed to be most of the time,” Brown stated. This defensive impact is becoming increasingly crucial in a league dominated by perimeter scoring and pick-and-roll offenses.
Passing Prowess: An Underrated Weapon
Beyond defense and rebounding, Williams possesses a surprisingly refined passing game. Payton Pritchard noted his “rebounds, delay screens, rim protection… but we need to use Amari more for his passing, because he has real vision.” During his final year at Kentucky, Williams averaged 3 assists per game – a significant number for a center. This passing ability allows him to initiate offense from the high post, find cutters, and make quick decisions, adding another dimension to his game.
This trend of passing bigs isn’t new, but it’s accelerating. Players like Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) and Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) have redefined the center position with their exceptional playmaking skills. Williams, while still developing, appears to be following a similar path.
| Amari Williams | Pourcentage | Rebonds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Equipe | MJ | Min | Tirs | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Tot | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2025-26 | BOS | 10 | 6:12 | 75.0 | 71.4 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Tirs = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers attempted; LF = Free throws made / Free throws attempted; Off = Offensive rebound; Def= Defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte : Personal fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Turnovers; Ct : Blocks; Pts = Points.
The Future of the Center Position
Amari Williams’ emergence is a microcosm of a larger trend. The days of the purely post-centric center are fading. Today’s most impactful big men are those who can switch onto guards, protect the rim, rebound with tenacity, and make smart passes.
Data supports this shift. According to NBA.com stats, the league average for assists per game by centers has steadily increased over the past decade. Furthermore, teams are increasingly valuing defensive versatility, as evidenced by the rise in switching defenses.
The success of players like Al Horford (Celtics) and Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks) demonstrates the value of this modern archetype. They aren’t just scoring threats; they are defensive anchors and playmaking hubs.
Will Williams Maintain His Momentum?
Whether Williams can solidify his role in the Celtics’ rotation remains to be seen. However, his recent performances and skillset align perfectly with the evolving demands of the NBA. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, coupled with a strong work ethic, gives him a legitimate chance to become a valuable contributor for years to come.
FAQ
- What is a “two-way contract”? A two-way contract allows a player to split time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate.
- Why are versatile big men becoming more important? The NBA is becoming more positionless, and teams need big men who can defend multiple positions and contribute to the offense in various ways.
- What are Amari Williams’ key strengths? His strengths include rim protection, rebounding, setting screens, and passing.
- Where can I find more information about Amari Williams? You can find more information on the NBA official website and the BasketUSA.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to a player’s defensive versatility and passing ability when evaluating big men. These skills are often more valuable than traditional scoring metrics.
What are your thoughts on the evolving role of the center? Share your opinions in the comments below! Don’t forget to explore other articles on our site for more in-depth NBA analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.
