Celtics’ rookie 6-foot-10 center expected to outshine first-round pick guard, per writer
The Boston Celtics made two notable selections in the 2025 NBA Draft prior to executing their massive fire-sale throughout the rest of the offseason.
Boston's first decision was to take Hugo González, a strong 6-foot-6 guard with two-way potential, with the No. 28 pick in the first round.
Following the addition of the 19-year-old Madrid, Spain native, the Celtics took a flier on 6-foot-10 center Amari Williams with the No. 46 overall pick in the draft.
Though it may sound unlikely, one NBA writer has claimed that for a few key reasons, the latter of the two prospects will receive a bigger chance to make an immediate impact for the 2024 NBA champions this season.
"Amari Williams may have been selected nearly 20 spots after Hugo González in June's draft, although his position makes it far more likely that the Boston Celtics will call on his services," Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz wrote Saturday.
"Williams is an athletic, rim-rolling big who the Celtics desperately need after losing Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet this offseason."
"Despite beginning the season on a two-way deal, Williams could be converted to a regular contract at some point this year if Boston makes a consolidation trade."
"González, 19, is still pretty raw compared to Williams, 23, who spent the last five years in college."
It's reasonable to view González as the more complete prospect, but Williams' size and physical tools make him a much more valuable commodity within the Celtics' rotation in 2025-26.
Boston's fire-sale this past summer saw the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford, three crucial centers from their title-winning 2024 squad.
With the recent openings that were created as a result, Williams arguably has more of a chance to carve out a clear spot in the main NBA franchise's rotation than González after signing with the team on a two-way deal.
If Williams can graduate from their G-League affiliate Maine Celtics in a relatively short while, he can battle Neemias Queta and Luka Garza for serious burn at the center position for the storied franchise.
In his fifth year of collegiate basketball as a member of the University of Kentucky Wildcats in 2024-25, Williams contributed 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 56.1% from the field in 36 appearances.
49ers star Jauan Jennings’ blunt reaction to heated moments with Kyle Shanahan
The San Francisco 49ers’ injury-weary season encountered a fresh setback in Week 6, resulting in a 30-19 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before 62,411 fans. Amid the team’s struggles, wide receiver Jauan Jennings was at the center of an on-field confrontation with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The sideline confrontation occurred late in the first half with San Francisco trailing 20-16. Reports indicate that Shanahan confronted Jennings after a play in which teammate Demarcus Robinson dropped a pass, but later redeemed himself with a 31-yard reception. The exchange escalated quickly, requiring intervention from the team’s sideline staff and Shanahan's security detail to de-escalate the situation.
When asked about the incident after the game, Jennings said, “Ask him,” (h/t Vic Tafur of The Athletic).
Shanahan, meanwhile, gave more than a two-word response.
“It was just an intense, competitive conversation between two people at the end of the second quarter, but we're good,” he said.
Jennings played through significant injuries, including ankle, shoulder, and rib issues, even revealing after the game that he was carrying five broken ribs. As a result, the 28-year-old's contributions were limited, catching only one pass for seven yards on three targets. He also committed a false start to start the second half and drew two penalties, exceeding his single reception for the game.
Before Sunday, Jennings had started three games this season, collecting nine receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown. On the season, he now totals 10 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown.
Jennings is in the final year of a two-year, $15.4 million deal signed in May 2024, with incentives potentially boosting his 2025 salary to $10.5 million. He requested a trade during the offseason, leaving his future with the team uncertain, a situation the team later resolved. After a career-high 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns last season, Jennings’ role has expanded. However, injuries and limited practice time, having participated in only two full sessions since the regular season began, have affected his performance and may impact his free agency value.
The 49ers roster has been decimated by injuries. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy missed Sunday's game as he continues to recover from a toe injury, and defensive stars Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and Fred Warner (broken and dislocated ankle) are out for the season. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle have also been dealing with injuries.
Despite this, San Francisco has maintained a 4-2 record. They will take on the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 7.
