Let's Talk Tillman

[Jiri Welsch]

Is there any chance Xavier Tillman has a "bounce back" year this upcoming season?

When he first was acquired, he got some burn and performed pretty well in his limited role. He looked like a poor man's Horford at times and even made that clutch corner three in the 2024 Finals.

What exactly happened last season to make Joe lose trust?

[Who]

I am not optimistic. His body looked shot.

Shame. He was a good big man when he was in Memphis.

[Vermont Green]

I am not optimistic either but whatever it is with him, it appeared physical to me.  It is funny that to me, he looked like Porzingis when Porzingis had the mysterious virus.  Running up and down the court but looking like he had a 50 pound pack on his back.  If it is something physical, maybe it is healed.  I have not heard anything about surgery or anything like that.

In any case, I see no reason not to give him a shot.

[Csfan1984]

Tillman used to be mobile, have an average skill set, and wasn't afraid to be physical. Last year he wasn't any of that. Some guys are coming off injuries and other guys are just don't have a role in the team's system. Hard to say if Tillman is cooked or just couldn't find a fit.

[celticinorlando]

Probably will back up Niang at PF. Brad said today they view him more as a PF.

He seems to be washed but they have no one else.

[Celtics2021]

Tillman seems shot, unfortunately.  He reportedly had knee issues, but he barely played and never got surgery, so it doesn?t seem like either rest or surgery+rehab were options.  Maybe he?ll find something miraculous over the summer, but I don?t have my hopes up, unfortunately.
 

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I really don't think there is anything to say.

[celticinorlando]

Tillman being cooked is why I think they will start Niang. Who else do they have? Niang fits Joe's bombs away offense because its literally the only thing he can do.

[jambr380]

Unfortunately we lost those two 2nds in the Jrue/Simons deal. We could have used one of them to move off of him. He's not an NBA player anymore and he's taking up an important spot on the roster

[slamtheking]

Tillman's toast but since the C's are stuck with him apparently, no reason not to see if he can make a case for playing time.  Memphis Tillman would be our clearcut starter at PF this year.  I don't expect anything from him but no harm in kicking the tires one more time in camp and preseason

[Roy H.]

Last year was very strange.  There seemed to be a clear regression in both his physical and mental play.

I was wondering if he was going through something serious in his personal life, because he seemed checked out.  That's odd for a guy whose career is defined by being an effort guy.

[tonydelk]

Is there any chance Xavier Tillman has a "bounce back" year this upcoming season?

When he first was acquired, he got some burn and performed pretty well in his limited role. He looked like a poor man's Horford at times and even made that clutch corner three in the 2024 Finals.

What exactly happened last season to make Joe lose trust?

The only way Tillman contributes is if he's done shooting 3's and plays more in the post.  That's just not his game.  He can't shoot 3's to save his life.  He also needs to get in shape.  He looked slow last year.

[liam]

Last year was very strange.  There seemed to be a clear regression in both his physical and mental play.

I was wondering if he was going through something serious in his personal life, because he seemed checked out.  That's odd for a guy whose career is defined by being an effort guy.

I heard and at this point not sure where, that he had a minor knee problem all last year...

[jambr380]

Tillman needs to lose a LOT of weight to be an effective player again. He may have looked like Al Horford out there, but he certainly doesn't move like him - not even 38yo Horford. Guys his size struggle to make it in the NBA and it's not like he has Zion's athleticism or skill level.

I agree that he also looked mentally checked out. Not sure how to reignite the fire, especially if he is limited physically as well

[Phantom255x]

It's weird. I had a lot of hype for him as our Horford replacement, even if he was just 75-80% of prime Horford. And he showed promise, especially with MEM. I have no clue what happened with him in 2025 though. Injuries? Idk. But he was slow and this was true even in garbage time lineups which is telling. I hope he can get healthy and in better game shape. We'll see.

I think Queta is gonna have to be the guy who takes the step. He also showed promise just like Hauser did a few years ago, and then Hauser has become a nice role player. I hope Queta can do the same and put it together after last year + this full offseason, maybe showing improvements defensively as well.