The Boston Celtics opened their preseason with an 18-point victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, and one player in particular may have hinted at a larger role ahead — Xavier Tillman.
Tillman started the game and logged the third-most minutes on the team, signaling a possible shift in the Celtics’ rotation plans for the 2025-26 season.
Acquired at the trade deadline during the 2023-24 season, Tillman was initially brought in as frontcourt depth for Boston’s championship push. He played sparingly during that run, never fully integrating into the offense as the Celtics went on to win their record 18th NBA title.
Expectations were high entering last season, but Tillman’s role diminished instead. He appeared in a career-low 33 games, averaging just seven minutes per contest, nearly half his previous career low of 13.2. With limited floor time, he averaged only one point and 1.3 rebounds per game.
In the Celtics’ preseason opener, though, Tillman showed flashes of the energy and versatility that once made him a valuable contributor in Memphis. He recorded seven points, five rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes.
With the offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Boston’s frontcourt depth has thinned considerably. That could open the door for Tillman to solidify a consistent rotation spot alongside projected starter Neemias Queta, who did not play in the preseason opener.
Tillman may not bring All-Star production, but his defensive instincts, rebounding, and experience could make him an important role player as the 2025-26 season approaches.