Credit: Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

The Celtics have signed free agent, and former Boston College, center Sean Williams to a contract. The move signals the end of the Jermaine O’Neal era and provides some desperately needed depth to the front court.

Williams, who was waived by Dallas in March, has joined the team in Atlanta will suit up for tonight’s game against the Hawks. Williams will wear number 56.

Williams will be eligible for the postseason. Dallas waived Williams prior to the March 23rd deadline.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound center averaged 3.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 8.1 minutes over  eight games with the Mavericks.

In 27 games for the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League, Williams averaged 15.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

“He’s done well, it looks like he’s matured a little bit,” Rivers said. “We’ll find that out. But as a player he can block shots, he can rebound, he can run the floor. We’re going to give him an honest look. To pick a time this year to come, he couldn’t have picked a better time. We’ll throw him in, if not he’ll be in practice.”

Williams fills a major need for the Celtics, he can rebound and block shots. The former first round pick is loaded with potential. The potential is still there and it will take a lot for him to live up to his predraft hype. Doc Rivers is the type of coach that can get through to players and help them unlock their potential.

Excellent move by Danny Ainge, a low risk, high reward deal that could be beneficial to all sides.