Celtics Acquire Big Man Xavier Tillman From Grizzlies

Tillman is a quality addition to the Celtics’ frontcourt as he plays out the final season of his rookie contract. A second-round pick in 2020, No. 35 overall out of Michigan State, he provides Boston with some versatility in their frontcourt.

Capable of playing either power forward or center, Joe Mazzulla now has another piece to the puzzle for his rotation of big men. Given the age of Al Horford and how injury-prone Kristaps Porzingis has been in his career, it made sense for the Celtics to target someone such as Tillman.

Boston was likely able to get him on the cheap, as well, as he has struggled in some regards this offseason. Given the insane amount of injuries the Grizzlies have dealt with, Tillman was pushed into a larger-than-anticipated role, which negatively impacted his percentages.

Averaging a career-high 20.6 minutes per game, he is making only 40.8 percent of his shot attempts, 22.6 percent of his 3-pointers and a ghastly 41.9 percent from the foul line. Those numbers should improve with a strong supporting cast around him with the Celtics.

From the Grizzlies’ perspective, this is a good deal. In the midst of a lost season because of the injuries they are enduring, they flipped someone likely not in their long-term plans for two future draft picks.

In an expected rebuilding season that will result in a lottery pick, expect the Grizzlies to canvas the league for more future draft compensation. They are surprise sellers and will look to capitalize on the opportunity in any way possible.