Memphis Grizzlies: Introducing rookie PF Killian Tillie
Memphis Grizzlies rookie Killian Tillie is capable with room for improvement
Defensively, his basketball IQ shows up as he’s always in the right spot. Tillie does a pretty solid job guarding in ball screens and switching onto guards when he has to. He’s a capable rim protector, averaging about 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes.
The biggest things for Tillie to improve on are his durability and strength. Because of injuries, he missed time in of all four of his college seasons with the Zags and, quite frankly, would have probably left after his junior season if healthy. Adding strength will help him rebounding and being able to battle inside.
In the last couple of years, the Grizzlies have done a great job drafting players and getting them as undrafted free agents. Some strong picks by Memphis include Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, Sean McDermott, Jontay Porter, and Xavier Tillman. Just like Porter, the reason Tillie went undrafted is just because of injuries. The ability to sign a guy with a high-talent level as an undrafted free agent is always a great get.
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The Grizzlies have shown the ability to evaluate talent coming out of the draft the last couple of years. If Tillie can stay healthy, his shooting ability along with his versatility and basketball IQ should give him a shot to become a rotation player.