Brad Stevens Explains Logic Behind Xavier Tillman Trade

Brad Stevens Explains Logic Behind Xavier Tillman Trade

Is Xavier Tillman the missing piece to Banner 18? Brad Stevens sure hopes that’s the case and has since shed light on what made him trade for the former Michigan State product on NBA Trade Deadline day.

Stevens addressed the media about the moves on deadline day. Then had more to say in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.

VIA NBC Sports Boston:

“He can guard bigger guys, but he can also switch late in the clock,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg in an exclusive interview Friday.

“He’s not like way above the rim by any means, but he’s way longer than people realize. So he gets his hands on passes, on shots, he’s got a good impact in that way.”

“He’s a guy who we’ve liked for a long time,” Stevens said. “I wasn’t in this position when he came out of college, but I remember watching him with Michigan State, and I know what the responsibility of playing at Michigan State is like.

“So this is not unique (for him) to put on a Celtics uniform, especially with — he’s played on great teams in Memphis the last few years that went from fun teams, that fun story, to (a team facing) expectations. That’s a big difference. And then having played in college where you go in and you’re trying to get back to the eighth Final Four in 20 years, or whatever the case may be — he gets that.

“So, he’s always been a guy who we’ve thought, with his ability to move laterally with his size, with his physicality, with his thinking and passing, made sense on our team around our best players.”

Tillman, (6-foot-7, 245 pounds), was acquired by Boston in exchange for Lamar Stevens, a 2027 second-round pick (via Atlanta) and a 2030 second-round pick (via Dallas). The 25-year-old is averaging six points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 34 contests across 20.6 minutes per game. He’s not the most prolific offensive finisher in the world but defends very well and is another body that can guard Giannis or Embiid in a playoff series. A depth big which is exactly what Boston needed.

The big man depth in Boston now includes Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Tillman. Neemias Queta now needs to be added to the active roster ASAP.

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