Amari Williams

[Celtics4ever]

He was a really raw player when we drafted him.   I think he still needs a lot of work, in terms of explosive athletic ability.  His shot was terrible when drafted.

On the positive, he has a great basketball IQ  and is a superb passer.   He can set a pick and has improved a lot in that regard.

I would not bet against him in terms of him being a competitive NBA player in a year.

I think that's a reach for next year.  I like his passing but other than that, he's too passive on the boards and not is the best position for defense/rebounding.  That can be taught (he's supposedly pretty smart and teachable) so that would hopefully improve.  I think next year might be too fast to expect real results.  I think it would be more fair to hope he can improve to 3rd string center in 2 years (or to provide a more direct comparison, Queta's level last year) and if he does, he was a good pick.   As of right now though, I think that's more than a bit on the optimistic side.

Fair enough, you may be right but we can hope, eh?

He is from England, where basketball is obviously not a major sport.  He switched from playing soccer after a teenage growth spurt, so he is a relative newcomer to the sport and from somewhere without great basketball resources

Playing soccer I believe helps guys understand passing in basketball.  I have seen it a lot.   If you cut and are open ex-soccer players will get you the ball.   I think it helps with foot coordination which can translate to good basketball foot work.

I think another factor is he is tall.   Tall players can get by with less skill development because they are tall and can dunk.

[Surferdad]

I am currently watching Maine vs Indy G-league. Amari is best player on floor.

Also, nice to see Jalen Bridges again. Good combination of size and athleticism.

[radiohead]

https://youtu.be/DYJElv9rgWM?si=kspiplk_bxv4CdcR

Amari highlights

[ChillyWilly]

https://youtu.be/DYJElv9rgWM?si=kspiplk_bxv4CdcR

Amari highlights

He was the tallest guy on the court by far. He's still really awkward and raw. I get why people are excited about him but he needs time to learn in Maine like Q did.

[Vermont Green]

Just remember that it took 2+ developmental seasons for Walsh and then presto, all the sudden he is an NBA starter and contributing to wins.  Walsh is similar in that you could see NBA ability in some aspects but not others.  I am fine if Amari Williams does not help the team at all this season, it is what should have been expected.  And he may not make a leap like Walsh.  But there is no reason to give up on him at this point, or declare him a draft bust.  I remain high on Williams.