On Draft Evening, the Boston Celtics traded the thirty second general decide in trade for picks 46 and 57, together with two future second-round picks. When their flip got here once more at No. 46, they chose Amari Williams, a 7-foot middle from Kentucky. The 23-year-old averaged 11 pts, 8.5 rebs, 3.2 asts, and 1.2 blks on 56/25/62 splits final season after transferring from Drexel the place he gained two CAA Defensive Participant of the Yr awards.
Getting Williams that deep into the draft was an enormous win to me as a result of he has a really distinctive ability set.
Mike Zarren, the Celtics’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and Group Counsel, described Williams as “probably the greatest passing massive males in faculty for a very long time,” and the numbers again that declare up. As a Wildcat, Williams posted a 24.7% help charge, putting him within the 99th percentile amongst gamers at his place. He was, in some ways, the engine of the Wildcats’ offense, as mirrored in his 26.9% utilization charge. Whether or not working from the submit, the highest of the important thing, or the elbow, Williams persistently demonstrated an distinctive potential to learn the ground.
In a post-draft press convention, Brad Stevens mirrored on the Celtics’ playoff loss to the Knicks, noting that what stood out to him “greater than something was once we acquired stagnant and performed with out tempo.” He adopted up by saying, “we’re gonna attempt to deal with a few of that.” Williams seems to suit that directive. He has proven the flexibility to seize a defensive rebound and instantly provoke the offense and even take it coast-to-coast himself.
Along with his passing, Williams ranked within the 99th percentile in each defensive rebound share (29.7%) and free throw charge (74.4%). Whereas Williams shot simply 62% from the free-throw line in faculty, there have been encouraging indicators of enchancment throughout Summer time League play, the place he went 9-for-10 from the stripe. For a 7-footer, excelling in playmaking, rebounding, and drawing contact gives a powerful basis to construct upon.
Defensively, I believe Amari Williams is stable, too. He dominated at Drexel, as soon as once more incomes two DPoY awards, however I didn’t assume he was at that stage as a defender. His yr at Kentucky was extra of how I’d view him. He averaged 2.0 blocks per sport over his last three seasons at Drexel, earlier than that quantity dipped to 1.2 final season.
Primarily based on his faculty and Summer time League performances, I’d classify Williams primarily as a drop protection massive, although he has proven the flexibility to change every so often. It’s not all the time clean, and I wouldn’t suggest frequent switching at this stage, however he has demonstrated flashes of with the ability to keep in entrance of NBA-level guys. That mentioned, I imagine he may gain advantage from getting leaner and bettering his lateral quickness to grow to be extra snug and efficient in these conditions.
The principle weak spot for Williams is placing the ball within the basket. He shot 56% from two-point vary (profession excessive) and 46% within the paint at Kentucky — 67% on the rim is barely higher however all these percentages are low for a middle. He at present poses no menace from past the arc, and general, his lack of contact is obvious. Creating no less than a dependable push shot would go a great distance in unlocking extra of his offensive potential as groups may determine to not guard him carefully.
That mentioned, I do imagine he was considerably miscast as a shot creator at Kentucky, which possible contributed to his inefficiency.
As I discussed earlier, Williams was the focus of Kentucky’s offense, with a good portion of his touches coming within the submit. Whereas I actually preferred when he operated as a playmaker from that space, he was additionally regularly relied upon to be a main submit scorer and that’s NOT the place I imagine he’ll make his dwelling on the subsequent stage.
His submit sport isn’t polished sufficient to translate successfully on the NBA stage at this level. Williams would often flash some contact on hook photographs, however most of the time, he relied on his energy to overpower defenders within the submit. My expectation is that, whether or not within the G League or ultimately with the large membership, his offensive function will likely be simplified, primarily serving as a roll man when scoring. This could naturally cut back each the quantity and issue of his shot makes an attempt, ideally leading to extra environment friendly scoring numbers.
He shot 44% at Summer time League, however there was an outlier sport the place he shot 3-of-10. He didn’t have the most effective summer time outing, however his final sport was actually encouraging. Williams stuffed the stat sheet with 6 pts, 8 rebs, and 4 asts regardless of solely taking part in the primary half. He was given extra of a chance to provoke actions, and it actually paid off.
It took longer than anticipated, however Williams ultimately signed a two-way contract with the Celtics. My expectation is that he’ll spend many of the season in Maine, although accidents can shortly shift these plans. If he does see common season minutes, he has the instruments to contribute as a screen-setter and passer. I additionally belief that Joe Mazzulla may have a plan to successfully area the ground round a non-shooting massive, as he’s efficiently performed previously.
To earn and hold these minutes, Williams might want to show he can maintain his personal defensively and be constant on the glass. Finally, I believe his rookie season may observe a trajectory just like Baylor Scheierman’s final yr which consisted of a sluggish begin within the G League, exhibiting little in restricted garbage-time minutes, however progressively discovering his rhythm in the direction of the tip of the yr.
I like Williams as a prospect and hope that he does effectively if given a chance.
0 Feedback
