When they were teammates with the Grizzlies, Xavier Tillman used to ask Marcus Smart about the experience of playing in Boston, never expecting to get the opportunity to do so himself before the end of the season, writes Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. Seeking help in the frontcourt, the Celtics acquired Tillman from Memphis on Wednesday in exchange for Lamar Stevens and a pair of second-round picks. He’s looking forward to experiencing first-hand everything Smart said about Boston fans.
“The main thing he told me is it’s very similar to Memphis in terms of the grit and the grind and how hard you have to work for the fans and appreciation and stuff like that,” Tillman said. “And once you do show that you’re willing to hustle, they’re going love you. I love it.”
The Celtics had their eye on Tillman for several years and considered selecting him in the 2020 draft, Himmelsbach adds. Memphis took him with the 35th overall pick, and he has built a reputation as a hard worker and versatile defender during his four NBA seasons.
“It’s crazy, to be honest with you,” Tillman said. “I’ve always watched the Celtics in terms of just the winning history of it, back with [Kevin Garnett] and all that stuff and seeing these guys repeatedly go to the Eastern Conference finals all the time, I’m always locked in on that. So for me to get the opportunity to be part of a winning organization, it’s pretty awesome.”
There’s more from Boston:
- Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t upset about being passed over as an injury replacement for the All-Star Game, Himmelsbach adds. Trae Young and Scottie Barnes were selected this week to take the place of Joel Embiid and Julius Randle. “Of course there’s some prestige in that and maybe five years ago that was something that was always on my mind, but it doesn’t change anything,” Porzingis said. “To be honest there’s a big part of me that’s kind of happy I can go to Miami or somewhere where there’s sun, get some tan, lift some weights, prepare my body for the rest of the season and then postseason.”
- President of basketball operations Brad Stevens had been hoping to acquire Jaden Springer from the Sixers since watching him when their teams met in the preseason, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Stevens got his chance when Philadelphia opted to unload the 21-year-old guard to create more financial flexibility and add an extra second-round pick. Weiss notes that Stevens also faced an urgency to add talent before the deadline because of the limitations that will be placed on teams above the tax apron starting this summer.
- A Celtics reunion with Danilo Gallinari appears unlikely, Brian Robb of MassLive states in a mailbag column. The Pistons waived Gallinari on Friday, but Robb believes his mobility is still affected by last year’s ACL tear, causing teams to target him on defense. Robb views Otto Porter as a more desirable option if he reaches a buyout with the Jazz, but he cautions that Boston would face competition from several teams.
Drummond would of been a better choice than Tillman. They should look at Giles
Gosh no. Drummond is garbage and always has been garbage.
He is an actual liability on the floor at times. Does not fit into the Celtics offense, in fact he would hinder the offense bc he would clog up the paint.
Also, the guy does nothing but rebound. That is all. Rebound.
Celtics run a spread 3 pt offense predicated on one on one drives and disses and pick and rolls. Drummond can do none of that.
Please read my comment below too. Tatum at PF isn’t strong enough. The team isn’t good at rebounding when it matters. The Celtics offense is Tatum and Brown iso ball then pass. Drummond doesn’t need to be in the offense. When your PG is your top rebounder then you are in trouble. So in your mind the Celtics need a tiny lineup with KP running around jacking up threes? Wouldn’t Drummond be good at getting offensive rebounds? The Celtics cannot rebound and are to tiny, even KP doesn’t rebound. We need 5 guys in the lineup jacking up threes lol. Hopefully Queta steps up
Remember nobody plays defense in the NBA other than a handful of players and only one (Mikal Bridges) has pride to do his job
Tillmans D is far better than Drummonds, and that’s what they’re looking for.
They are also looking for young, controllable players and that’s not Drummond.
I agree Icon that Tillman is much defensively than Drummond, I just think they lack a rebounder and I don’t like Tatum at PF. Drummond could start in a pinch with KP going to PF and Tillman on the bench. They could of got Tillman and Drummond but it’s okay. I hope Queta can prove me wrong and gets a full contact. If Queta steps up then they should be okay. Lars Drummond is controllable lol. Good insight Icon. I just don’t like Tatum as a PF starter
IF Drummond were starting in a pinch that would be a nightmare scenario for the celtics
Tatum starting at PF is a nightmare
Tillman is more of an old school 4. Plays D that’s why they got him. Depth is a good thing. Celtics do fall in love with threes at times. If you watched pregame show. They discussed this. Come playoffs. You will need to play smarter. Play more physical. Celts do need to address this. Even though they have best record.
The problem is the coach. Mazzulla loves shooting 3’s, thats why all his play is shooting 3’s. This will hunt them like the past playoffs. He also only use 7-8 players in the playoffs which forced their starting five to play 38-40mins a game.
Stop liking Icon and Lars and say something or stop going on multiple accounts then stop liking yourself