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Celtics Acquire Xavier Tillman, Causes a Stir at the Trade Deadline
By Wednesday afternoon, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens bolstered the team’s roster in anticipation of clinching their first championship since 2008.
Prior to the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, the Celtics secured forward Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Lamar Stevens and two second-round picks.
Tillman, a former Michigan State Spartan, was chosen as the No. 35 pick in the second round of the 2020 draft. In his fourth season with Memphis, the 6’8 forward has been averaging 6.0 points, 1.2 steals, 1.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds.
Tillman demonstrated his reliability as a playoff starter against the Lakers last season
Tillman has started 13 out of the 34 games played. He grabbed attention last season when he played robust minutes against LeBron James and the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
In six games against Los Angeles, Tillman maintained an average of 8.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds. He accumulated four steals and four blocks. In two of those encounters, he finished +10 and +11 on the court, which is commendable for a fourth-year player with only three seasons of limited playoff experience.
In the deal, Boston will send a 2027 second-round pick via the Atlanta Hawks, and a 2030 second-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks to Memphis. By trading Lamar Stevens, the move allows for salary matching for Tillman.
Stevens, set to earn just over $2 million this season, will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Tillman’s $1.9 million salary seamlessly fits within the Celtics’ budget, keeping them within the second apron space.
Additionally, the deal will utilize the Celtics’ $6.2 Million trade player exception from the Grant Williams trade. The exceptions serve as an additional method to sign players, as indicated by Spotrac. With this transaction, the Celtics will have one spot open on their roster.
He’s a notable, underrated defender
The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, with 13 players listed as out in the match against the Celtics last Sunday. Holding an 18-33 record, Memphis remains 4th in the Southwest Division and owns the sixth worst record in the NBA.
With a 3-7 record in their last ten games, they will be focusing on the next season. This move follows Memphis’s trade of center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three second-round picks.
Tillman has been sidelined with a knee injury since Jan. 29 against Sacramento. However, he brings immediate depth and defensive capabilities to Boston. Ranking in the 99th percentile among defenders in the NBA, he should integrate seamlessly into the Celtics’ frontcourt.
With a notable ability to set screens, he averages one block and one steal in under 21 minutes of play per game. He will be an excellent addition to Joe Mazzulla‘s system, showcasing hustle and actively contesting shots.
While he hasn’t been a significant factor on the offensive end, Tillman joins a Celtics team with the third-best defensive rating (110.6), trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Their defensive rating for forwards is the third best in the league, and Boston is tied with Oklahoma City for the most blocks per game (6.6). Holding opponents to 110.7 points per game, Boston remains in the top 10 in opponent paint points (47.6).
The Celtics bolster their much-needed frontcourt depth and resilience
The Celtics have been in pursuit of frontcourt depth, and Tillman serves as a valuable addition. Since the 2023 NBA Draft, Stevens has been deliberate in planning for the present and the future. Credit goes to Brad Stevens for turning the 25th overall pick into rookie Jordan Walsh and four future second-round picks.
With Kristaps Porzingis dealing with some injuries, Al Horford and Luke Kornet have been handling the duties in his absence. Tillman provides Boston with much-needed reinforcement in the frontcourt, alongside Sam Hauser and Kornet.
At times, the forward even filled in at the center position when former Grizzlies center Steven Adams was injured.
Despite being a free agent in the summer, Tillman offers the Celtics an additional high-caliber defensive presence. With their sights set on a championship, this move exemplifies why Brad Stevens is one of the best in the business.
At 38-12, the Celtics possess the best record in the NBA, and Tillman will plug into a frontcourt featuring Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Oshae Brissett.
The Celtics will host the Atlanta Hawks tonight at the TD Garden. The Grizzlies will host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday evening.
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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert’s availability is questionable for the upcoming Game 2 happening on Monday night in Denver for personal reasons.
In the opener of the Western Conference semifinal series on Saturday, Gobert played a significant role by contributing six points, grabbing 13 rebounds, making three blocks, and assisting three times in the team’s 106-99 victory.
Being a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Star, Gobert maintained an average of 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 76 games during the regular season.
Standing tall at 7-foot-1, the 31-year-old Gobert has an overall average of 12.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks throughout his career in 757 games for the Utah Jazz (2013-22) and the Timberwolves.
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