Inside The Celtics

Xavier Tillman Shares Marcus Smart's Message After Trade to Celtics

While Xavier Tillman said there's no timeline for his Celtics debut, his playing style will quickly endear him to his new fan base.

Bobby Krivitsky

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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About a month before the trade deadline, Brad Stevens told Inside The Celtics regarding the team's appetite to upgrade its options behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, "What you look at is guys that can play, guys that can add value."

The franchise's president of basketball operations continued, "But like I said last year, (they) don't need to play. They are over themselves. And I think that that's important. That's what we have right now."

Two days after acquiring Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies, Danny Ainge's successor revealed that objective was Boston's top priority leading up to the trade deadline.

The six-foot-eight, 245-pounder from Michigan was a frequent listing among Inside The Celtics' potential targets the last two years. His ability to operate alongside Horford or Porzingis or function as a stand-alone big made him a realistic external option who checked the boxes for Boston.

The 25-year-old former Michigan State Spartan ranks in the 99th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus, per dunksandthrees.com. Along with his versatility and impact at that end, he's a high-IQ player who's an effective screener and facilitator.

Tillman's also proven capable of stepping up in the playoffs, doing so for a short-handed Grizzlies team last postseason. Thrust into a more expansive role, he averaged 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. He also produced nearly a steal and a block per contest while making life difficult for, in particular, Anthony Davis.

With the three-year veteran now donning Kelly green, Marcus Smart had a message for him on his way out of Memphis.

"He was just telling me about his experience here," shared Tillman on Friday at the Auerbach Center. "The main thing he told me is (Boston) is very similar to Memphis in terms of the grit and the grind and how hard you have to work for the fans' appreciation. And once you do show that you're willing to hustle, they're gonna love you after that."

While he also conveyed that there's no timeline for his return from left knee soreness, something that caused him to sit out his last four games with the Grizzlies, once he makes his Celtics debut, his playing style will quickly endear him to his new fan base.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Survive Heated Rivalry Clash in Miami

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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