Celtics’ forgotten option could be key for next season
Was last season the start of a decline for Xavier Tillman Sr., or just an unfortunate outlier shaped by circumstances beyond his control?
The Boston Celtics’ defensive-minded forward-center endured a challenging 2024-25 campaign both on and off the court. During Boston’s dominant 16-3 postseason run to their 18th championship, Tillman tragically lost his father. The playoff grind may have offered a temporary distraction, but once the celebrations ended, the reality hit hard.
“My dad passed away in May, so for me, it was more so to get away from last year to be able to sit with my thoughts and really figure out my next steps, my family’s next steps,” Tillman said before training camp last September.
A lingering knee injury only compounded his struggles, leading to the least productive season of his five-year career:
- 1.0 points per game
- 1.3 rebounds
- 7.0 minutes in just 33 appearances
Even when Boston’s regular rotation was thin, Tillman often received DNP-CDs or saw only garbage-time minutes — sometimes even watching two-way players like JD Davison and Drew Peterson get court time ahead of him.
A Track Record of Reliability
Before last season, Tillman was known as a dependable role player with defensive versatility. At the time of his trade from Memphis to Boston in February 2024, he ranked in the 99th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus.
His playoff résumé includes holding his own against Anthony Davis in Memphis’ first-round series with the Lakers, and in Boston, delivering key moments in the 2024 NBA Finals — including blocking Luka Dončić twice and drilling a corner three in Game 3 to help secure a commanding 3-0 lead over Dallas.
The Path Back
For Tillman to bounce back, two things are crucial:
- Confidence from deep – He must be willing to take open threes and drastically improve on last season’s 15.6% shooting from beyond the arc.
- Health and mindset – If he’s in a better mental place and fully healthy, his defensive impact can return to form.
The Celtics’ signing of Chris Boucher adds competition at the position, but there’s still opportunity for Tillman. Boston’s depth at center remains a question mark, and a return to his old form could be a major boost — especially in a contract year when motivation will be at its peak.
If Tillman can put last season behind him, the “forgotten” Celtic could quietly become one of Boston’s most valuable bench pieces in 2025-26.
