The Boston Celtics may have quietly uncovered another intriguing long-term piece, as rookie Amari Williams continues to flash serious upside in the NBA G League.
Many expected Boston’s 2025–26 campaign to lean heavily toward development, particularly with Jayson Tatum sidelined by a long-term Achilles injury. Instead, the Celtics find themselves second in the Eastern Conference at 23-12, driven by MVP-level play from Jaylen Brown.
That success has not come at the expense of player development. Behind the scenes, Boston appears to be building future depth while remaining firmly in the title picture.
Williams has emerged as a central figure in that process. His rapid progress in the G League has made him one of the most productive and versatile bigs in the developmental pipeline, drawing increasing attention from the Celtics’ front office and coaching staff.
Boston Celtics Seeing Returns on Developmental Investment
Selected 46th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Williams entered the league with limited fanfare. His early returns with the Maine Celtics, however, have quickly changed that narrative.
Through 16 G League games this season, the 23-year-old is averaging 14.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks while shooting an efficient 60.7% from the field. That production has climbed further in recent weeks, suggesting he may be entering a breakout phase.
Over his last four games, Williams has elevated his averages to 20.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks in just under 30 minutes per game, while converting 69.4% of his shots.
The surge has been driven by consecutive dominant performances to open 2026. In a Jan. 2 win over the Noblesville Boom, Williams delivered 30 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. He followed that with 33 points and 16 rebounds the next night against the Capital City Go-Go.
“He’s a monster,” said Maine head coach Phil Pressey, via CelticsBlog. “He’s a beast. I think he has a high upside.”
Across those two games, he pulled down 10 offensive rebounds, highlighting both his motor and physical presence around the rim. Turnovers remain part of the learning curve, but the overall trajectory has been clearly positive.
A Clear Pathway Toward NBA Minutes
Williams’ recent stretch builds on a season already filled with encouraging signs. He closed 2025 with a 12-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, his second of the season.
His 182 total rebounds rank seventh across the G League, while his 29 blocks sit 12th. Notably, his 81 assists rank highest among centers, emphasizing a passing ability that separates him from many traditional bigs.
That well-rounded profile aligns with what NBA teams increasingly value. While raw scoring does not always translate, players who combine interior presence, defensive awareness, and playmaking often carve out sustainable roles.
During his limited early NBA exposure, Williams has already shown flashes of the small details that translate at the highest level.
In a late November win over the Detroit Pistons, who entered the game riding a 13-game winning streak, the 6-foot-11 rookie unexpectedly played a meaningful role in the Celtics’ victory.
In just 15 minutes of action, Williams finished with one point and three rebounds, but his impact extended well beyond the box score. He blocked Pistons star Cade Cunningham twice and secured a crucial late rebound that helped seal the win.
“I thought he looked great,” Jaylen Brown said, via CelticsBlog. “He was battling on the boards. He gave us that physicality that we needed down there. Because rebounding is something that we got to do, but we got a lot of small guys. So, it’s only so much that your personnel can do — a big body like Amari makes a big difference.
“Amari has talent,” Brown added. “He can pass the ball. He’s a big guy who knows the game, but that was a big-time performance for him.”
On a two-way contract, Williams has time and flexibility on his side. Frontcourt injuries, rest management, and late-season experimentation could all open doors for extended NBA opportunities.
If his current development continues, the Celtics may soon have another internally developed contributor ready to make the jump.
Celtics Draft Pick Flashing Serious Upside in the G League