Amari Williams
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Boston Celtics' Amari Williams during a game against the New York Knicks in December 2025
The Boston Celtics’ developmental pipeline continues to show encouraging returns, with rookie big man Amari Williams building on an increasingly impressive stretch in the G League.
On Thursday night, Williams delivered another complete performance for the Maine Celtics, posting 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, alongside 11 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in a win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
It was the latest in a string of strong, all-around outings that suggest his recent surge is less a hot streak and more a sign of sustained growth.
As Boston balance competing at the NBA level with long-term roster planning, Williams’ steady rise in Maine is becoming harder to overlook.
Boston Celtics Draft Pick Sustaining Momentum
Selected 46th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Williams’ latest outing fits into a growing body of work that has developed over the past several weeks.
After flashing potential early in the season, the 6-foot-11 center has begun to deliver consistent production, impacting games on both ends in ways that project well to the NBA level.
Through 17 G League appearances, Williams is averaging 14.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 61.5% from the field. That production has climbed sharply of late, signaling a clear upward trajectory.
Over his last five games to open the regular season, the 23-year-old’s averages have jumped to 20.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game on an eye-catching 70% shooting.
The surge has been fueled by consecutive dominant performances, beginning with a 30-point, 14-rebound effort against the Noblesville Boom on Jan. 2, followed by a 33-point, 16-rebound showing against the Capital City Go-Go the next night, before Thursday’s latest display.
He also capped off 2025 with a 12-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, as Maine sits seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 4-4 record to open the regular season.
Williams’ impact extends beyond scoring. His 193 total rebounds rank seventh league-wide, while his 31 blocks sit 11th. Notably, his 84 assists lead all G League centers, highlighting a passing ability that separates him from many traditional bigs.
A Clear Developmental Path Taking Shape
While many expected Boston’s 2025-26 season to lean heavily toward development, particularly with Jayson Tatum sidelined by a long-term Achilles injury, the Celtics have remained firmly in the playoff mix.
At 23-13, they sit third in the Eastern Conference, powered by MVP-level play from Jaylen Brown.
That success has not come at the expense of player development. Behind the scenes, Boston continues to cultivate future depth, with Williams emerging as one of the organization’s most intriguing long-term pieces.
“He’s a monster,” Maine head coach Phil Pressey said, via CelticsBlog. “He’s a beast. I think he has a high upside.”
Williams’ recent stretch suggests he may be entering a meaningful growth phase. His activity level has remained consistent, but his decision-making and overall feel for the game appear more refined, an important marker for bigs transitioning from developmental roles to NBA rotations.
That growth has already translated in limited NBA opportunities. In a late November win over the Detroit Pistons, who entered the game on a 13-game winning streak, Williams was unexpectedly thrust into meaningful minutes and made a tangible impact.
In just 15 minutes, he finished with one point and three rebounds, but his influence went far beyond the box score. The Nottingham, England native blocked Cade Cunningham twice and secured a critical late rebound that helped seal the victory.
“I thought he looked great,” 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 working in his favor. As the season progresses, frontcourt injuries, rest management, and late-season experimentation could all create additional NBA opportunities.
If his current trajectory holds, Williams may soon shift from a developmental project to a legitimate rotation option within Boston’s future plans.