Orlando Magic select Amari Williams in 2025 NBA Draft, trade to Boston Celtics

Amari Williams was one of several transfers to go on to have successful seasons this past year at Kentucky. Now, he’s one that’s been able to make it to the next level with a pick of him in the NBA Draft.

The Orlando Magic selected Williams in the 2025 NBA Draft and traded him to the Boston Celtics. They did so with the No. 46 overall pick.

Williams spent four seasons playing at Drexel before transferring to Kentucky. He appeared in 141 collegiate games for the Dragons and Wildcats, averaging 10.4 points (52.9% FG), 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. He, over his final three seasons at Drexel, would be an all-conference selection, on the third-team as a sophomore before being a first-team one in both seasons as an upperclassman, as well as being named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year in all three years. Then, after transferring as a graduate to UK, Williams, starting the entire season at center, posted 10.9 points (56.1% FG), 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks.

Williams came to college basketball from overseas, being from Nottingham, England. He would play and graduate from Myerscough College and compete for the U20, U18, and U16 teams for Great Britain as well.

Kentucky wasn’t projected to have many draft picks, or at least as many as they used to have coming out, this summer. However, Williams, impressing this season and during the pre-draft process, has given them another.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Amari Williams

Williams is a very versatile big-man at seven-feet tall and around 260 pounds, showing off play-making and defensive prowess at the mid-major level as well as the power level playing for Kentucky in the SEC. RotoWire.com noted all of that in their draft profile of him, as they see a player who can be in some team’s rotation providing more to the game rather than just inside scoring.

“Williams is a physically imposing big man with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, known for his defensive prowess and basketball IQ. He excels as a rim protector and rebounder, using his length to alter shots and secure boards. His defensive versatility enables him to guard multiple positions effectively,” they wrote. “Offensively, Williams is a capable playmaker from the high post, demonstrating strong passing instincts and vision. He serves as an effective facilitator, often initiating offense and finding open teammates. While not a primary scoring option, he is efficient around the rim and can finish plays as a lob threat. Williams’ leadership and unselfish play have been lauded by coaches and teammates.”

“Williams projects as a reliable rotational big man at the NBA level, capable of contributing as a defensive anchor and facilitator,” they wrote. “His combination of size, defensive acumen and passing ability makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile center who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”