Which two-way player will help Celtics the most? – NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics completely overhauled their two-way trio this offseason. So which one of the three new faces is most likely to make a tangible impact with the parent club during the 2025-26 season?

That’s the question we put to our panel for Part 7 of our Ramp to Camp series after the Celtics brought in the rookie troika of Amari Williams, Max Shulga, and RJ Luis Jr. (undrafted) to fill the team’s three two-way slots.

Williams (46th pick) and Shulga (57th) were draft-night additions, while Luis Jr. was acquired from Utah in a trade that sent out Georges Niang (and also forced the team to cut bait with Miles Norris, one of last season’s two-way pickups). 

The 6-foot-11 Williams feels like the obvious answer here. The Celtics have multiple holes to fill up front and must utilize every bit of size they have. The player who might see the biggest spike in minutes on the parent roster is Neemias Queta, a former two-way signing who took advantage of call-ups early in his Boston tenure before before signed to the main roster. 

Williams showed some obvious talents at Summer League, including excellent passing skills on the offensive end and shot-blocking prowess on the defensive side. His ability to improve as a finisher might determine just how much time he ultimately carves out in Boston.

The pathway to playing time for Shulga and Luis Jr. seems a bit more complicated. While both have intriguing elements to their game, the reality is that Boston remains well-stocked at the guard spot, while there’s a glut of young wings vying for time at perimeter spots. 

Still, given all the roster changes, it feels like there is far more opportunity than usual for two-way players. This year’s batch of two-way players can confidently come to camp knowing that they have just as much of a chance of making an impression as some of the other newcomers joining the parent roster.

It’s up to the two-way gang to make the most of that time. The Celtics haven’t been bashful in turning over two-way spots. After drafting Gonzaga forward Anton Watson 54th overall in 2024, the Celtics waived him in March. They picked up Norris, only to waive him in the aftermath of the Luis Jr. acquisition.

Queta and Sam Hauser, who both should play big roles for the Celtics this season, are proof that there is a pathway to a much bigger role after starting on two-way deals with Boston.

So who does our panel like to make an impact from the two-way slot this year?

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Amari Williams.

The Celtics desperately need big-man help, and Williams at least should get an opportunity to prove he’s a valuable depth option. He’s an excellent passer for his size, which could pique Joe Mazzulla’s interest early in the season.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

You’ve come to the right place. Nobody has studied the careers of Max Shulga, RJ Luis Jr., or Amari Williams more than I have. Did you know Amari Williams is British? That’s pretty cool.

I’ll answer with Max Shulga, because anyone who hits 3s has the chance to catch Joe Mazzulla’s eye.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

Amari Williams.

I think the path to minutes is easier for Williams given Boston’s uncertain frontcourt. The Celtics have bodies competing for those minutes, of course, but there’s no surefire starter at this point. Could Williams make a case for time with a strong camp and preseason?

On the other hand, rookie guard Max Shulga and rookie wing RJ Luis Jr. are further down the depth chart at their respective positions.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Amari Williams.

The biggest area of concern for the Celtics this season is their frontcourt, so Williams should get his opportunities. I liked what I saw at Kentucky and think his game can translate to the NBA.

It might not happen right away, but I think by the end of the season, he’ll be a player we can pencil in for a permanent role going forward.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

Amari Williams plays a position of need and is a sneaky good passer for a big. He also has the most upside of any of the bigs on the roster, so the C’s should prioritize his development.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

In the short run, I could potentially see Max Shulga earning a shot with his ability to play point guard and his shooting ability.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

I feel like it has to be Amari Williams simply because the Celtics are thin up front. Luis Jr. interests me, though.

Jim Aberdale, Supervising Producer, Celtics

My first instinct is to respond “none of the above” but after pounding a gallon of Green Kool Aid, I’ll go Amari Williams.

Here we have a 7-footer who was the best passing big in college basketball last year. Mike Zarren says he has “incredible vision.” I’m envisioning no-look Bill Walton passes circa 1986. Let’s go.