Will Tillman’s Defense Save Celtics’ Future?…
There was a time when signing Xavier Tillman felt like Brad Stevens had pulled a Hogwarts sorting hat trick, picking the perfect piece for Boston’s championship puzzle. But much like trying to win a sprint wearing clown shoes, Tillman’s first season stumbled due to knee swelling, resulting in limited playing time. With his role evaporating faster than an ice cream cone in the Sahara, even Neemias Queta surpassed him on the depth chart. Now, with weakened competition, Tillman sees a chance to sneak back into the rotation on Boston’s chessboard.
Tillman is a defensive wizard, ready to guard almost anyone. It’s said he once blocked a shot so hard, the ball applied for a visa to the moon. When playing, he was an astoundingly underrated piece, ranking high in defensive stats. After the key players exited the orphanage (a.k.a. Boston’s current line-up), the court is eager for Tillman’s glue-like defensive presence. Yet, he must conjure offensive improvement — because in today’s NBA, being as effective as an inflatable hammer doesn’t earn much praise. With a jump shot that needs a confidence boost, this could be Tillman’s chance to rekindle his promising career.
