While nothing has been finalized, the consensus is that Al Horford won’t return to the Boston Celtics next season.
On Friday, Mass Live’s Brian Robb reported that the NBA champion big man will likely join the Golden State Warriors or announce his retirement at age 39.
“The strong belief around the league is that he’s gone, something Brad Stevens openly admitted to last month,” Robb stated. The Celtics are likely only offering him the veteran’s minimum and he can get far more elsewhere along with a better chance of winning another title this season.”
“The waiting game is expected to end up with him landing in Golden State once a resolution is reached with Jonathan Kuminga. If a signing doesn’t come after that, maybe retirement is actually in the cards.”
As a result, the Celtics elected to sign a 7-foot center whom the franchise recently acquired (from the Orlando Magic on draft night) to serve as a potential replacement for Horford if he moves on this summer.
“The Boston Celtics signed No. 46 pick Amari Williams to a two-way deal,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto stated Friday.
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“He averaged 10.9 points on 56% shooting, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks for Kentucky. Agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group and Celtics officials finalized the deal.”
Williams shouldn’t be classified as a stretch five yet (he shot 30% from three for his collegiate career on 30 attempts), but he’s proven that he can be effective from outside the paint.
Whether taking slower centers off the dribble using his strong left hand, jump-stopping near the free throw before finding cutters, or initiating the offense if his point and/or combo guard is unable to shake free from his defender in the backcourt, Williams makes it known that versatility is the name of the game for him.
It also helps that the 23-year-old is springy enough to finish above the rim in middle and high ball screen situations.
Williams is an asset the Celtics should be excited about developing in Boston.
More NBA: Warriors predicted to cut ties with Jonathan Kuminga in favor of NBA champion Celtics forward
