After cutting off the two-way contract forward star, the Celtics paved the way for the signing of inside rookies?

The Boston Celtics officially updated the team's official social media account, and the team announced that they have cut off Miles Norris, a forward player who had previously held a two-way contract.

According to local Boston media MassLive reporter Souichi Terada, the purpose of the Celtics' layoffs is to free up a place to sign Amari Williams, the team's 46th pick in the second round of the NBA Draft this year. Williams has not signed with the Celtics so far, and the current Celtics lineup includes Max Shulga and rookie RJ Luis, who just got from the Utah Jazz in the trade. With Norris being cut by the team, the Celtics also successfully freed up a two-way contract place, which also cleared the obstacles and paved the way for Williams' signing.

Amari Williams from the UK was born in January 2002. He is 23 years old, 208cm tall and weighs 113kg. He is an inside player from the University of Kentucky selected by the Celtics in the 46th pick in the second round in this year's NBA Draft. In the NCAA game last season, he played 36 times in total for the University of Kentucky, all of which were the starters. His average playing time reached 22.8 minutes, his average of 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.2 blocks, and he also had 2.3 turnovers and 2.2 fouls. His shooting percentage was 56.1%, his three-point shooting percentage was 25%, and his free throw shooting percentage was 62.3%. Williams was elected the CAA League's Best Defensive Player for three consecutive years in 2022-24 and entered the CAA League's Best Team Team twice in 2023 and 2024. He also has strong dominance in the NCAA arena.

Previously, Williams also represented the team in the NBA Summer League. He played 4 games in the summer league, averaging 17.6 minutes per game, averaging 6.2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.5 blocks, and had 2 turnovers and 2 fouls. He shot 44.4%, 0% of three-point shooting percentage and 90% of free throw shooting percentage. Williams still showed some characteristics in the summer league, and he can provide certain support to the team on both offense and defense. However, Williams is a very excellent defensive gate in the NCAA arena, and he has performed quite well in rebounding protection and basket protection. In the NBA Summer League, his characteristics in this aspect are actually unable to fully demonstrate. Since he is a second-round pick with high maturity and distinct characteristics, the Celtics should have no reason not to sign him this summer. Therefore, sacking Norris is also a signal, which means that Williams is about to get a contract from the Celtics.