Tag: xavier tillman

Celtics re-sign Xavier Tillman

The Boston Celtics recently re-signed forward/center Xavier Tillman Sr.

“When we got Xavier at the trade deadline, he came with the reputation of a winner and great teammate,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “Xavier is a hard-worker who brings grit, toughness, and a team-first mentality that we appreciate. We are excited that Xavier has chosen to come back to the Celtics.”

Tillman Sr. appeared in 20 games (two starts) for the Celtics during the 2023-24 season after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies on February 7. In 54 games this season, he averaged 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.0 minutes per game.

On January 12, Tillman Sr. scored a season-high 20 points on 8-of-10 made field goals and grabbed nine rebounds vs. the Clippers. He recorded 10 multi-steal games this season, including a career-best six steals on January 13 when he became one of seven NBA players to register at least 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a game this season.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native was selected with 35th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after playing three seasons at Michigan State. In three NBA seasons, Tillman Sr. owns career averages of 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 227 career games (58 starts).

Memphis Grizzlies exercise contract option Xavier Tillman Sr.

The Memphis Grizzlies recently exercised their 2023-24 contract option on forward/center Xavier Tillman Sr.

Tillman Sr. (6-8, 245) has appeared in 173 games (43 starts) and has averaged 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.1 minutes while shooting 55.2% from the field over three seasons in Memphis. He set career highs across the board last season with averages of 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 19.3 minutes while shooting 61.4% from the field.

The 24-year-old also has competed in 18 playoff games (12 starts) for the Grizzlies and has averaged 5.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.9 minutes while shooting 57.3% from the field.

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Tillman Sr. was acquired by the Grizzlies with the 35th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft following his junior year at Michigan State University, where he was named the 2020 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Grizzlies sign rookie forward Xavier Tillman

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed 2020 second round draft pick Xavier Tillman Sr. to a multi-year contract.

Tillman Sr. (6-8, 245) was selected with the 35th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and acquired by the Grizzlies from the Sacramento Kings.

A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Tillman Sr. was named the 2019-20 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the 2019-20 All-Big Ten Second Team last season as a junior at Michigan State University. The 21-year-old started all 31 games for the Spartans last season and averaged 13.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.19 steals and 2.10 blocks in 32.1 minutes.

Tillman Sr., who teamed with Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. when both were freshman at Michigan State (2017-18), finished his collegiate career as Michigan State’s all-time leader in blocks (153).