Xavier Tillman: bringing consolation and stability to Celtics’ Protection

Xavier Tillman is again.

The final time Tillman performed at the very least eight minutes for the Boston Celtics was on November 4th in a Celtics blowout towards the Atlanta Hawks. For causes that stay unclear to me, Tillman has been driving the bench. It’s truthful to say Tillman struggled in his minutes earlier within the season, however he has too massive of a pattern dimension of being an impactful NBA participant for that to be the rationale he has been stapled to the bench.

The obvious reply is usually the proper reply: Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics have been prioritizing Neemias Queta’s growth over the recognized commodities of Tillman and to some extent, Luke Kornet. I get it. The common season is for experimentation, particularly when you’ve gotten an NBA title in your again pocket.

The Celtics know what they’ve with Kornet and Tillman. They’re each reliable rotational massive males. Queta is an unknown, and the Celtics appear decided to make him a recognized. I don’t disagree with that course of. If the Celtics can develop Neemias Queta whereas racking up wins, it is going to be good for the long-term well being of the roster.

Nonetheless, Friday evening was a welcome reminder that Xavier Tillman continues to be a great NBA participant. I used to be beginning to fear one thing extra sinister behind Tillman’s benching. There have been ideas at the back of my thoughts that perhaps Tillman becoming a member of Kristaps Porzingis for a G League scrimmage was truly cowl for Tillman recovering from his personal harm. Fortunately, I can put my tin foil hat away now.

Xavier Tillman solely performed 8 minutes and 37 seconds towards the Wizards, however he had a big influence and was Mazzulla’s selection to shut the sport because the lone massive. Tillman struggled in switches earlier within the season, however he put that behind him with some improbable possessions towards the Wizards.

Anybody else having flashbacks to Recreation 3 of the NBA Finals?

Whereas I can perceive the choice to prioritize Queta’s growth over Tillman, it’s good to have a veteran massive within the sport who may be relied on to make the proper choices. The next clips illustrate the distinction between Tillman and Queta.

Within the first clip, Tillman flashes his assist which dissuades Kyle Kuzma from driving all the best way to the rim, forcing up a contested floater. Tillman reveals that assist whereas remaining in stable rebound place, packing containers out Jonas Valanciunas, and collects the rebound.

Within the second clip, Tillman performs stable protection and will get a great contest on the shot try from Bub Carrington. Queta comes over for the block, placing himself out of place, resulting in the straightforward putback for Valanciunas. It is a constant drawback with Queta.

Tillman is a high-IQ participant, particularly when it comes to protection. Queta nonetheless has an extended solution to go together with his defensive decision-making.

It wasn’t an eye-popping sport for Tillman, nevertheless it was nice to see that he’s nonetheless able to serving to the Boston Celtics win basketball video games.