Grizzlies: 3 players who can break into 2021-22 starting five

The Memphis Grizzlies may want to give Xavier Tillman experience over Steven Adams

This one is less likely than the previous slide, though I do think Xavier Tillman has a chance to break into the starting lineup at some point down the road. I actually believe that the Grizzlies could get a lot of value out of Steven Adams down the road if they elect to keep him in Memphis, but for this situation, let’s assume they solely acquired him to move up in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Assuming Steven Adams is not a long-term piece on this team, there’s no reason to give him a bulk of this team’s minutes if he has no future with the team. Enter Xavier Tillman Sr.

It almost seems ridiculous to say that Tillman Sr., a guy who was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft, could make his way into the starting lineup in his second season but that’s where we’re at with his development already. Outside of Dillon Brooks, Tillman might be the best defender on the team, which is exactly what could earn him a spot in the starting lineup.

Last year, his size was an issue at times. At just 6-8, he can’t match up physically to some of the larger centers in the league. This, however, won’t be as much of an issue in 2021-22, when the Grizzlies have Jaren Jackson Jr. back, who can account for the size in the lineup.

I wouldn’t expect Xavier Tillman Sr. to be in the starting lineup, but it’s definitely a possibility.