As Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe reports, “Xavier Tillman used to ask Marcus Smart about the experience of playing in Boston when they were teammates with the Grizzlies, never expecting to get the opportunity before the end of the season.” The Celtics traded for Lamar Stevens and two second-round picks on Wednesday to acquire Tillman from Memphis in an effort to bolster their frontcourt. He’s eager to see for himself what Smart mentioned regarding Boston supporters.
“What he told me is that, in terms of the grit and the grind, and how hard you have to work for the fans and appreciation and stuff like that, it’s very similar to Memphis,” Tillman remarked. When you demonstrate your willingness to work hard, they will fall in love with you. I adore it.
According to Himmelsbach, the Celtics have been eyeing Tillman for a number of years and were thinking of picking him in the 2020 draft. Throughout his four NBA seasons, Memphis has developed a reputation for him as a diligent worker and adaptable defender after selecting him with the 35th overall pick.
To be honest with you, Tillman said, “It’s crazy.” “I’ve always focused on the Celtics’ winning history, starting with [Kevin Garnett] and all that, and I watch them all the time because they always make it to the Eastern Conference finals. Therefore, I think it’s pretty awesome that I get to be a part of a winning organization.
Additional news from Boston:
Himmelsbach continues, “Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t upset about not getting picked as an injury replacement for the All-Star Game.” This week, Joel Embiid and Julius Randle were replaced by Trae Young and Scottie Barnes. It doesn’t change anything, Porzingis said, “of course there’s some prestige in that and maybe five years ago that was something that was always on my mind.” “To be honest, a big part of me is kind of happy that I can travel to Miami or another sunny place, work out, get tan, and prepare my body for the remainder of the season and the postseason.”
According to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens had been hoping to get hold of Jaden Springer from the Sixers ever since seeing him play during their preseason matchup. Stevens’ opportunity came when Philadelphia decided to let go of the 21-year-old guard in order to maintain budgetary flexibility. Weiss points out that because of the restrictions that will be put in place beginning this summer for teams that are above the tax threshold, Stevens also had to find talent before the deadline.
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