Celtics’ rookie 6-foot-10 center expected to outshine first-round pick guard, per writer

The Boston Celtics made two notable selections in the 2025 NBA Draft prior to executing their massive fire-sale throughout the rest of the offseason.

Boston's first decision was to take Hugo González, a strong 6-foot-6 guard with two-way potential, with the No. 28 pick in the first round.

Following the addition of the 19-year-old Madrid, Spain native, the Celtics took a flier on 6-foot-10 center Amari Williams with the No. 46 overall pick in the draft. 

Though it may sound unlikely, one NBA writer has claimed that for a few key reasons, the latter of the two prospects will receive a bigger chance to make an immediate impact for the 2024 NBA champions this season.

"Amari Williams may have been selected nearly 20 spots after Hugo González in June's draft, although his position makes it far more likely that the Boston Celtics will call on his services," Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz wrote Saturday.

"Williams is an athletic, rim-rolling big who the Celtics desperately need after losing Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet this offseason."

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"Despite beginning the season on a two-way deal, Williams could be converted to a regular contract at some point this year if Boston makes a consolidation trade."

"González, 19, is still pretty raw compared to Williams, 23, who spent the last five years in college."

It's reasonable to view González as the more complete prospect, but Williams' size and physical tools make him a much more valuable commodity within the Celtics' rotation in 2025-26.

Boston's fire-sale this past summer saw the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford, three crucial centers from their title-winning 2024 squad. 

With the recent openings that were created as a result, Williams arguably has more of a chance to carve out a clear spot in the main NBA franchise's rotation than González after signing with the team on a two-way deal.

If Williams can graduate from their G-League affiliate Maine Celtics in a relatively short while, he can battle Neemias Queta and Luka Garza for serious burn at the center position for the storied franchise.

In his fifth year of collegiate basketball as a member of the University of Kentucky Wildcats in 2024-25, Williams contributed 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 56.1% from the field in 36 appearances.

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