Playoff Hero Named “Sneaky-Good Addition” by the Celtics
The majority of the Boston Celtics players who contributed to their 18th franchise championship have been kept on staff. One player they added in the middle of the season is Xavier Tillman. During the 2024 offseason, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz gave his reasoning for thinking Tillman is a “sneaky-good addition.”
After being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Celtics, “he proved to be a solid backup big for the team, playing good defense, setting screens, and hitting the occasional three-pointer,” Swartz wrote in an article published on July 7.
Knowing he had alternatives, he went on to explain why the Celtics are very interested in keeping Tillman.
“Tillman returned to Boston on a multi-year, minimum deal, providing this team much-needed depth behind the frequently injured Kristaps PorziņĿis and 38-year-old Al Horford, instead of going elsewhere for a bigger position and pay.
“The champions’ biggest problems going forward will be depth and expense. Regaining Tillman on a deal of this caliber was a significant victory.
Tillman will probably take up part of Porzingis’ playing time now that he is out indefinitely. After stepping in admirably for Porzingis during Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Tillman has established himself as a postseason hero. During that period, Tillman scored a crucial three-pointer and played outstanding defense.
Thoughts of Brad Stevens Regarding Keeping Xavier Tillman
In a press release following Tillman’s official resigning from the Celtics, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens stated the following.
According to NBC Sports, Stevens stated, “We acquired Xavier during the trade deadline, and he arrived with the reputation of a victor and fantastic teammate.” The Chris Forsberg of Boston. “We value Xavier’s tenacity, toughness, and team-first approach. He is a diligent worker. Xavier’s decision to return to the Celtics excites us.
Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have both re-signed with the Celtics, in addition to Tillman. These three will make up their frontcourt lineup going into the 2024–25 campaign, along with Al Horford, who will probably start in Porzingis’ place until he recovers. Horford will probably take a back-to-back rest, just like he has done the previous two seasons.
Because of the Celtics’ attempts to save him, those three will probably play more minutes together. Whoever gets the most depends on the matchup. Tillman is more mobile compared to Kornet and Queta. However, both Kornet and Queta are more dependable as rim protectors and lob threats. It also may depend on if the Celtics try to develop Tillman’s three-point shot.
Xavier Tillman suggested a comeback In the course of the Celtics Parade
Tillman had made it clear that he intended to stay in Boston before he re-signed with the Celtics. In an interview with WBZ’s Dan Roche, Tillman made it seem as though he intended to stay. To Roche’s question about how much he wanted to repeat, Tillman said, “Very badly.” The march was among the “top-five experiences of my life,” according to him as well.
Tillman had made it to the NBA playoffs with the Grizzlies the previous three seasons, but the team never got past the first round in any of those campaigns. With the Celtics, Tillman not only made the deepest run of his career, but he also won his first championship.
