Xavier Tillman Sr. is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on January 12, 1999, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tillman attended Forest Hills Central High School before committing to Michigan State University. Collegiate Career: Tillman played three seasons for the Michigan State Spartans under coach Tom Izzo. In his freshman year (2017-2018), he averaged 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, mostly coming off the bench. His sophomore season (2018-2019) saw a significant increase in his role and production, with averages of 10.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, earning him the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award. He was a key player in Michigan State’s run to the Final Four that season. In his junior year (2019-2020), Tillman became a full-time starter and continued to impress, averaging 13.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and was a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given to the nation’s best center. Known for his tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and excellent passing for a player of his position, Tillman was a vital part of the Spartans’ success during his tenure. Draft: Following his junior season, Tillman declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the 35th overall pick, but was subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night. Tillman’s draft position was boosted by his impressive collegiate performance, particularly his defensive versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Professional News & Data: Tillman quickly established himself as a valuable contributor to the Memphis Grizzlies. In his rookie season (2020-2021), he showcased his defensive prowess and ability to impact games coming off the bench, averaging 6.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He became known for his strong screens, rebounding, and ability to guard multiple positions. During his time with the Grizzlies, Tillman consistently demonstrated his grit and commitment on both ends of the court, earning a reputation as a determined and reliable player. His role expanded in subsequent seasons, and he often found himself in the starting lineup due to injuries or strategic matchups. In February 2024, Tillman was traded to the Boston Celtics. This move was significant as it brought him to a championship-contending team where he was expected to provide depth and defensive intensity off the bench. His addition was seen as a key move for the Celtics as they bolstered their frontcourt for a deep playoff run. Tillman’s ability to defend both perimeter and post players, along with his solid rebounding, made him a valuable asset to the Celtics. Personal Data: Xavier Tillman is married to Tamia Tillman, and they have three children: two daughters, Ayanna and Cheatham, and a son, Xavier Jr. He is known for being a dedicated family man and a positive influence in the locker room. Tillman is also actively involved in community initiatives, often participating in events and programs aimed at youth development and education. His strong character and leadership qualities have been consistently praised by coaches and teammates throughout his career. Off the court, Tillman is known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful approach. He has often spoken about the importance of mental toughness and dedication to achieving success, both in basketball and in life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":49105,"template":"","categories":[1],"class_list":["post-49104","nba-player","type-nba-player","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n