Celtics Turn to Youth and Depth After Tumultuous Offseason
The Boston Celtics’ championship glow from 2024 has quickly turned into a summer of change. Financial realities forced the team to part with several cornerstones, leaving President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens to retool on the fly. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were dealt earlier in the offseason, Luke Kornet signed elsewhere, and veteran big man Al Horford appears unlikely to return as he lingers in free agency.
With the frontcourt stripped bare, Boston suddenly finds itself leaning on unproven depth. Neemias Queta, once a reserve center, is penciled in as the projected starter. While the 7-footer has shown flashes in limited minutes, the Celtics know they need reinforcements — and they hope one arrived in June’s NBA Draft. [[mockup_1_|_]]
Boston acquired Kentucky center Amari Williams, originally selected 46th overall by the Orlando Magic before being dealt to the Celtics. The England native, who began his college career at Drexel before transferring to Kentucky, averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game in his lone season with the Wildcats. Now signed to a two-way contract, Williams brings intriguing size and athleticism. Though not a stretch big at this stage, he offers mobility, rebounding, and underrated passing skills that could develop into a real asset for Boston. [[mockup_2_|_]]
Still, expectations must be tempered. The Celtics added veteran depth in Luka Garza and Chris Boucher, but the frontcourt rotation is far from championship-ready. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles injury, Boston faces what looks like a bridge year. The team will continue to rely on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to keep them competitive, but a repeat title run seems unlikely.
Boston’s history, however, offers hope. Few franchises have rebuilt on the fly as effectively as the Celtics, who are known for shrewd drafting and timely trades. If Amari Williams develops into a reliable piece, he could help lay the foundation for the next contending roster in Boston — keeping the green-and-white in the thick of the NBA conversation