Amari Williams' Celtics' Summer League debut offers a crucial reminder

Amari Williams brings panache and pain to the court. His Summer League debut reinforced that and why he was available for the Boston Celtics to select with the 46th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.

Williams delivered a cross-court dime in the first half of Boston's 92-78 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Cox Pavilion. His pass drew an audible reaction from an impressed crowd before it even reached Miles Norris. The latter then capitalized on the ball landing in his shooting pocket, knocking down a three.

It was a play that demonstrated Williams is a center with a unique skill set for his position. There aren't many players standing seven feet tall whose most impressive talent is their passing.

However, in the former Kentucky Wildcat's first Summer League game, he demonstrated the instincts, vision, and deft touch that make him an effective facilitator.

After joining the rest of the Celtics' draft class, Hugo Gonzalez and Max Shulga, in helping conduct a youth basketball clinic at a renovated court unveiling at a YMCA in the greater Boston Area, Williams shared what cultivated that part of his craft.

"A lot of people are saying [that] by playing soccer growing up, that was my first sport, and [by] not hitting a growth spurt until late," said Williams. "I feel like those two things helped my skill set, and something that's helped me get to this level."

The Nottingham, England, native also delivers bone-crushing screens. At over 260 pounds, his size and the extent to which he relishes setting picks forcefully are the least lost on opponents. Williams consistently created separation for pick-and-roll ball handlers to step into clean looks or get downhill.

He also has a pterodactyl-like seven-foot-five wingspan. That lent itself to him registering two rejections in Boston's Summer League victory. That tied teammates Hugo Gonzalez and Charles Bassey for the most in the contest.

Williams also utilized his length to alter shots at the rim. It was another reminder of what he did best defensively at Kentucky.

There were also glimpses into where his game requires refinement.

Where Amari Williams must improve

While the 23-year-old must box out with greater regularity, rebounding is typically a strength of his. That made it all the more disappointing for him to finish with three rebounds in 21:32 of playing time. He had none on the offensive glass.

Williams also needs to get more comfortable finishing with his right hand and from that side of the basket in general. He is adroit with his left hand. That was evident as he banked in turnaround jump hooks and demonstrated impressive touch around the left block.

That and the above-the-rim threat he represents rolling to the rim were the driving force behind him tallying nine points in his debut.

However, his lack of comfort with his right hand led to a travel when he passed up an uncontested opportunity on that side of the rim -- he could have even dunked it -- to go to the left. Instead of putting two points on the board, he forced the referee to blow the whistle.

Lastly, the seven-foot center showcased another trait that is a rarity for someone his size. Williams pushed the pace, leading the Celtics' transition attack multiple times on Friday.

However, it was also evident that to make this a valuable aspect of what he brings to the floor, he must tighten his handles. It didn't lead to turnovers in his Summer League debut, but it got him into trouble when trying to ignite Kentucky's transition attack.

Williams's first NBA appearance offered plenty to get excited about. His size, passing, and rim protection offer him a path to playing time in Boston as the Celtics sort out their center rotation.

However, there's also plenty to work on. That won't scare the former Wildcat, and it shouldn't sour fans on him. He was pick No. 46 for a reason. He wasn't going to emerge from his first Summer League game as a finished product.