Grizzlies: 3 most surprising players so far in 2020-2021

Xavier Tillman Sr. has been one of the best rookies in the league

As a second round pick, Xavier Tillman Sr. was not expected to do much this season. Granted, the Grizzlies are a young team, but he was somewhat of an afterthought as the season approached.

Tillman dropped in the draft for unknown reasons. After an offseason where he was expected to go in the first round, he wouldn’t hear his name called until the 35th overall pick. It wasn’t the worst draft fall of all time, but there are a lot of teams that are probably wondering why they didn’t pick him up.

The Grizzlies were ecstatic about drafting Jaren Jackson Jr.’s former college teammate, but on a roster filled with big men, he wasn’t expected to get many minutes early on. As this team continued to be nagged by health issues, Tillman would get his chance to make an impact in the NBA sooner rather than later.

He hasn’t been a superstar, but he has maintained strong defense for a team that’s missing its best defender. His strongest game came to the tune of 15 points and 4 steals. Tillman’s play is reminiscent of another MSU alum and Grizzlies legend in Zach Randolph and it looks like he has a bright future playing on Beale Street.