Xavier Tillman Shares What Stands Out About Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown

Xavier Tillman explains why the Celtics can elevate their game to a higher level when it matters most.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

A day after acquiring Xavier Tillman at the trade deadline, Brad Stevens shared that upgrading the team's depth up front, finding an individual who could play alongside Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford and operate as a stand-alone big, was the Celtics' primary objective.

About a month prior, the franchise's president of basketball operations told Inside The Celtics on that subject, "What you look at is guys that can play, guys that can add value. 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."

It's why Tillman checks all the boxes for Boston. And while the 25-year-old is more of an insurance policy this season, he's on an expiring $1.9 million contract and doesn't figure to be costly to retain. He could prove 37-year-old Al Horford's long-term replacement.

In the former Michigan State Spartan's brief time with the Celtics, he's quickly come away impressed by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In a recent appearance on Gil's Arena, he shared what stands out to him about the star wings.

"Each day, they kind of know what's needed of them, " stated Tillman. "I don't feel like they're ever searching...I don't ever see them like, I don't know, not being efficient. Everything they do is efficient...There's not a lot of wasted energy between them at all in terms of their production level. That's why I say when it really requires us to give it our all, we can take it to another level…When more is required, I bet you they can do some crazy stuff."

The three-year veteran also provided his perspective on Tatum's MVP candidacy, citing his all-around impact.

"I thought at first he was just a scorer until I realized his defensive, passing, and rebounding ability," stated Tillman. "He definitely needs to be in [the MVP] discussion. Not to mention, we're no. 1 in the league."

Further Reading

Tired of Celtics' Playoff Inconsistency, Wyc Grousbeck Decided 'We're Not Running It Back'

76ers Gift Celtics Welcome Playoff Prep: 'Taken Tremendous Steps'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

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

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

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'