X-Factor: Could Xavier Tillman Draw Knicks' Trade Deadline Interest?

With Julius Randle hurting, the New York Knicks could turn to Xavier Tillman for post help at the trade deadline.

The New York Knicks have been cruising as of late, winning 15 of their last 17 games in this calendar year and holding what's tied for this NBA season's longest victory streak at nine. However, there's always room for improvement, especially if the team plans to end his 23-year streak of no Eastern Conference Final appearances. 

New York's biggest needs entering February undoubtedly lie in the post with Julius Randle set to miss weeks with a dislocated shoulder. While Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa have held the fort down, adding some reinforcements wouldn't hurt.

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According to Yahoo! Sports insider Jake Fischer, Memphis Grizzlies big man Xavier Tillman has "generated a wealth of interest from playoff teams." One of those teams could well be the Knicks, especially with Robinson's potential return still undated.

Tillman, 25, is averaging six points per game this season for the Grizzlies, but he makes most of his impact on the defensive end of the floor. At 6-7, the fourth-year man Tillman is a bit undersized as a center, but he has proven that he can hang with some of the league's top bigs.

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Tillman likely wouldn't be the saving grace for the Knicks in the postseason, but he adds that depth that they desperately need behind Hartenstein. While the Knicks are rolling right now, none of it matters if they aren't healthy or delivering when the postseason comes about in April and May. Adding Tillman would give the Knicks a security blanket in case of another medical disaster.