How might the Boston Celtics approach Xavier Tillman Sr.’s looming free agency? Picked up via trade late in the Celtics’ 2023-24 campaign from the Memphis Grizzlies to help bolster a slightly shaky big man rotation, Tillman’s fit has been good when his number has been called, if occasionally a bit raw as one might expect.
Does the team’s front office believe he will grow into a larger role with more playing time? And how likely is it that he will get an offer that could price him out of Boston’s range?
“After such a strong start to his career in Memphis, Tillman will be hoping for a bigger role than mere regular season depth even on the world’s best team, as well as greater paydays,” writes HoopsHype’s Mark Deeks.
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“That said, given that he did exactly what was asked and expected of him, perhaps both such things remain possible in Boston,” he adds. “And the price paid to Memphis of two future second-round picks suggests the team’s brain trust envisions Tillman as a piece of the future.”
We concur that there should be a role and playing time for Tillman, especially given the Celtics’ tendency to sit their star big men and looming free agency for other depth options in the frontcourt. But at least for now, a return is on the table.
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