How Does Xavier Tillman Fit The Celtics?

How Does Xavier Tillman Fit The Celtics?

The Celtics made a trade for Xavier Tillman, but how does he actually fit in Boston? Was this the right move for the C’s? Let’s break this move down and discuss if Brad Stevens made the right move in making this trade with Memphis.

Tillman, 25, will come in handy for throwing bodies at superstars. The former Michigan State product defends his ass off. Against the likes of Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tillman is a 6-foot-7 truck that can pick up fouls and force tough shots. That hard-nosed prick energy that Grant Williams had, Tillman can fill that role.

The problem is Tillman clearly has limitations offensively. He’s one of the worst finishes around the rim in the league. He’s converting around 40% from the floor and is a career 26% guy from three. He can’t make his free throws either.

The good news is in Boston, maybe Tillman can play better on that end of the floor. Tillman will have more easy looks playing with the C’s. When you have Tatum, Brown, White, Porzingis, Holiday, Pritchard, Hauser, etc… it’s not like the Celtics need Tillman to drop buckets.

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I don’t think anyone is going to complain about giving up two second round picks for a guy like this. It will be about if Boston can sign Tillman to a reasonable long term contract while getting him to play better offensively. If that can happen along with Tillman’s defensive acumen, this could be a fruitful partnership.

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