Memphis Grizzlies: Grading every player at the NBA All-Star Break
Memphis Grizzlies. XAVIER TILLMAN SR.. A-. GP: 27, MPG: 20.4, PPG: 7.0, RPG: 4.6, APG:1.7, SPG: 0.9, BPG: 0.6, FG%: .513, 3P%: .286. PF
Memphis Grizzlies rookie PF Xavier Tillman Sr. has proven teams wrong all year long
The Grizzlies nailed the 2020 draft. Just throwing that out there.
Xavier Tillman Sr. has been a remarkable surprise for Grizzlies fans, as he got his chance to show what he’s capable of and ran with it.
Tillman was drafted 35th overall, but certainly doesn’t play like it. Tillman plays like a polished veteran. Not saying he couldn’t improve, he certainly could, especially offensively, but he has that gritty and hard playstyle that fits the grit-and-grind mindset of Memphis.
As far as analytics go, X ranks as one of the best rebounders and defenders on the team. He is top five in rebounding percentage, steal percentage, block percentage, and defensive win shares.
Tillman seems to have been a perfect fit in Memphis. Along with some veteran seasoning, as he did spend three seasons at Michigan State, he brings a lot of energy on defense, never giving up on plays and playing physical, yet smart.
X has some work to do if he wants to become just as impactful on offense, but he’s a rookie and he will learn over, hopefully, many years in Memphis.