The Boston Celtics made a strategic move to strengthen their lineup with youthful talent during the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting three players, including Amari Williams, a center from the Kentucky Wildcats. Known for his defensive presence and unique passing skills, Williams is viewed as a versatile big man who can impact both ends of the court.
Williams’ Playmaking Skills Draw Inspiration from Nikola Jokic
Amari Williams showed flashes of his ability to orchestrate offense, averaging 3.2 assists alongside 10.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during his single season at Kentucky, shooting an efficient 56.1% from the field. His knack for distributing the ball from the top of the key makes him an intriguing prospect, especially since he admires Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic for his unprecedented playmaking as a center.
Nikola Jokic’s Impact as a Multifaceted Center in Today’s NBA
Nikola Jokic has revolutionized the center position by combining elite scoring, rebounding, and passing abilities. Last season, he recorded averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game while shooting 57.6% from the field. Jokic’s exceptional court vision and offensive facilitation have made him one of the best passers in the league, nearing a fourth MVP Award in five years if not for the standout performance of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Potential for Williams to Develop a Jokic-Like Role with the Celtics
Williams’ promising skill set echoes the qualities that make Jokic so valuable. While Williams may not yet attract the same defensive focus with his scoring, his ability to recognize and serve cutting teammates off the ball could provide the Celtics with an additional offensive weapon. Emulating Jokic’s style of playmaking could allow Williams to create opportunities and earn meaningful minutes early in his rookie season.
Significance for Boston’s Future Frontcourt and Beyond
By admiring a player who has redefined the expectations of a center through superior passing, Amari Williams is setting a high bar for himself. Should he adapt quickly to NBA-level defenses and replicate Jokic’s vision and facilitation, both Williams and the Celtics could benefit significantly. His arrival hints at Boston’s broader strategy to innovate its frontcourt role, potentially shaping the team’s offensive schemes for the coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money is Nikola Jokic?
A. The player, who was drafted in 2014, spent three years with the Denver Nuggets. In 2018, he signed a five-year extension for up to $147 million. Later, in 2022, he agreed to a five-year supermax contract worth $264 million.