As it stands, the Boston Celtics have filled out one of their three two-way roster spots. The occupant is Amari Williams, who the franchise selected in the second round of last year's NBA Draft. However, when projecting who will win the battle for these opportunities, it is best to put his name in pencil, not pen.
The seven-foot center's final Summer League showing wasn't an ideal way for him to depart from Las Vegas. It was a chance for him to dominate. Both sides were resting key players.
That includes Boston keeping Hugo Gonzalez, [who has already begun validating why the team kept him out of a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo], Chris Cenac Jr., who's arriving with a message that will fire up Celtics fans, and the fiercely determined Dillon Mitchell out of the contest. That meant an even higher usage rate for Williams.
As for the Magic, their starting center in Sin City, Colin Castleton, and power forward Noah Penda were in street clothes. That made it all the more disappointing to see the Nottingham, England, native only attempt two shots in 16:48 of floor time.
Williams finished with two points, three rebounds, one block, one steal, and three turnovers. It was also the continuation of his trouble containing the pick-and-roll. During this trip to Sin City, it appeared like he needed to process what was happening faster so that he could thwart the downhill attacker charging at him without allowing the rolling big to get behind him for a lob or an offensive rebound.
It's a difficult task, and it's much easier said than done. Anyone can be a backseat driver and criticize someone's performance. However, it remains true that the ability to juggle those responsibilities effectively is a crucial part of an NBA center's job on defense.
The trait that could determine Amari Williams' NBA future
One must highlight that Williams appeared to be operating with more confidence at this year's Summer League. He seemed more communicative as well. Furthermore, his ability to act as an offensive hub, often delivering dimes, was a calming force for his teammates in Vegas.
I asked Amile Jefferson about the Celtics utilizing Amari Williams as an offensive hub.
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) July 16, 2026
They’ve opened their Summer League games with him in the lineup by playing through him as a passer.
“It calms everybody else down.” https://t.co/zG526D2kdT pic.twitter.com/1A7GtQUSHV
"I think you guys can see his confidence just exuding on the game," said Boston's head coach at this July showcase, Amile Jefferson. "I'm really proud of his growth, and how he's maturing as a player."
That maturation could lead to him playing with more assertiveness.
From his defense to his screening and battling on the boards, dialing up the aggression is a difference-maker in his NBA future and whether he'll soon be playing overseas.
From the Celtics to one of his mentors, veteran forward Tosan Evbuomwan, it's a message he has heard repeatedly. It's time for the 24-year-old former Kentucky star to act on it.
Additionally, others, including teammate Jordan Walsh, followed up a Summer League that left one wanting more by blossoming into the player they are now. Williams has it in him to do the same.
But while he's on a two-way deal at the moment, he will likely have to fight to hold onto that at training camp and in the preseason.
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