Celtics' flurry of moves highlighted by their Amari Williams decision

Monday represented the deadline for a significant number of team and player options across the Association. For the Boston Celtics, that meant making decisions on the futures of five players.

They exercised team options on the contracts of Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, and Dalano Banton. They did not do so for Max Shulga and Amari Williams.

Both of the team's 2025 second-round selections could still return. But there's no mystery about whether Williams will. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the two sides have agreed to a new deal.

What to make of Amari Williams's rookie season

In his first NBA campaign, the former Kentucky standout averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 6.6 minutes of floor time across 22 appearances.

He was at his best in a home win against the Detroit Pistons right before Thanksgiving. With Neemias Queta nursing an injured ankle, Williams got the call-up on short notice and stepped up in a win over the top seed in the East.

He logged the most minutes among the hosts' traditional options available to patrol the pivot that evening. His 15:22 of floor time included registering two rejections. It captured what the seven-foot center with a pterodactyl-like seven-foot-five wingspan can provide as a rim protector.

Whether suiting up for the franchise's G League affiliate in Maine or in his opportunities with the parent club, the Nottingham, England, native also impressed with his passing. His ability to deliver dimes gives him intriguing potential as an offensive hub and a partner on pick-and-rolls and dribble handoffs.

He's also comfortable bringing the ball up the floor. It's a remnant of growing up as a guard. At age 14, he began sprouting from about five-foot-11 to his present-day height. However, he retained some of that dribbling ability.

His soccer background has translated to mobility that, in particular, came in handy on defense when he faced NBA competition this season.

While drafted No. 46 overall last year, he does have considerable upside that he and the Celtics can now continue tapping into together.

Where does Amari Williams fit into the Celtics' center plans?

Boston utilized its first-round pick this year to select Chris Cenac Jr. The former Houston Cougar stands over six-foot-10, and he has impressive mobility and athleticism. He can play the four and the five spots.

Whereas Williams, who's still raw in his own right, spent five years in college, Cenac was one-and-done. The latter has high upside, but his development requires patience. While these two could conceivably coexist, there may be room for only one of them on the parent club in the long run.

As far as the 2026-27 campaign, neither individual will impact the Celtics' offseason pursuits at center. That's not to say they couldn't force their way into carving out minutes during the season.

However, Brad Stevens knows his team needs to find a veteran partner to form a potent 1-2 punch with Neemias Queta. It's a position that Boston is working hard to address.

Options range from a reunion with Robert Williams III to a potential Mitchell Robinson pursuit, and wondering if the centerpiece -- cheesy pun intended -- of the return in a Jaylen Brown trade will be a player like Jalen Duren or Donovan Clingan.

So, while Williams isn't going anywhere and offers an intriguing skill set for an elite player development program to continue working with, he projects to remain behind several veterans, and possibly Cenac, on the Celtics' depth chart at center.

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