Xavier Tillman’s NBA Journey Has Hit a Wall in Boston - Can He Get Back on Track?
Six seasons into his NBA career, Xavier Tillman finds himself in a spot few would’ve predicted when he first reunited with Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis. The two former Michigan State standouts shared a bond that stretched from East Lansing to the NBA hardwood - a pair of Spartan brothers chasing a dream together. But fast forward to now, and Tillman’s path has taken a detour that’s left him fighting for minutes and, more importantly, for a role.
Let’s rewind for a second. At Michigan State, Tillman was the kind of player coaches love - smart, disciplined, and constantly evolving.
He wasn’t a five-star recruit, but under Tom Izzo’s system, he grew into one of the most reliable big men in the Big Ten. He helped anchor the Spartans’ 2019 Final Four run, earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors, and capped off his college career as a three-time conference champion alongside Cassius Winston.
That résumé helped him land in Memphis as the 35th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft - and more importantly, it brought him back to Jaren Jackson Jr.
For a while, it looked like the reunion was going to pay off. Tillman carved out a meaningful role with the Grizzlies, becoming a dependable rotation piece known for his defensive instincts, physicality, and basketball IQ. In the 2023-24 season, he was averaging over 20 minutes per game, putting up 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 combined steals and blocks - solid production for a big man playing behind a star-studded frontcourt.
But then came the trade to Boston - and with it, a significant shift in trajectory.
Tillman’s minutes dropped off immediately after the move. From playing over 20 minutes per night in Memphis, he slid down to just 13.7 minutes per game with the Celtics.
Even though he ended the year with a championship ring, his on-court impact was minimal. For a player who thrives on rhythm and defensive energy, the reduced role made it tough to find a groove.
Injuries haven’t helped either. A lingering knee issue followed Tillman into the offseason, eventually requiring surgery after the 2024-25 campaign.
To his credit, he attacked rehab with purpose - dropping weight, getting leaner, and prepping for what he hoped would be a bounce-back year in 2025-26. But so far, the comeback hasn’t materialized.
He’s been in and out of the injury report all season and has only appeared in 11 games through December 29, with just one start. His averages - 2.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 stocks in 9.4 minutes - reflect a player still trying to get his footing, both physically and within the Celtics’ system.
It’s clear that Tillman’s skill set hasn’t vanished. He’s still a strong positional defender, a smart passer from the post, and a guy who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. But in Boston’s deep and talented rotation, opportunity is scarce - and consistency is even harder to come by when you’re not 100% healthy.
The question now is whether Tillman can find the right situation - whether in Boston or elsewhere - that allows him to re-establish himself as the versatile, defensive-minded big he’s shown he can be. If he can stay healthy and get back to the form he showed in Memphis, there’s still a place for him in this league.
But right now, that place doesn’t seem to be in Boston.