Xavier Tillman

Tillman is an American forward who has established himself as a versatile defender and energy player since being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. A decorated collegiate player at Michigan State, he has played for multiple franchises and earned an NBA championship ring with Boston.

Born Xavier Justis Tillman Sr. on January 12, 1999, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he attended Forest Hills Central as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Grand Rapids Christian. As a senior, he averaged 13.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 blocks and led his school to the Class A state championship game. He was named a finalist for Mr. Basketball of Michigan and collected Associated Press Class A First-Team All-State honors.

Tillman was a consensus four-star recruit and committed to Michigan State on September 30, 2016, over Marquette and Purdue. As a freshman, he averaged 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds. As a sophomore, he moved into the starting lineup and averaged 13.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 blocks. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-Big Ten. As a junior, he averaged 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks and was named to the All-Big Ten first team. He declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

The Sacramento Kings selected Tillman 35th overall in the 2020 NBA draft and traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent nearly four seasons in Memphis before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2024, where he won the NBA championship in a 4–1 series against the Dallas Mavericks. He later signed with the Charlotte Hornets.

Tillman functions as a versatile defensive forward with rebounding instincts, shot-blocking timing, and the ability to guard multiple positions. His Michigan State tenure showcased a player who anchored a defense while contributing offensively. In the NBA, his value centers on defensive assignments, energy, and providing interior depth in reserve frontcourt units.