3 Grizzlies who directly helped Celtics win 2024 NBA Championship

Xavier Tillman

A beloved member of the Grizzlies organization who had served as a consistent contributor within the rotation in each of the club's last three postseason excursions, Xavier Tillman was traded ahead of the February 8 deadline in the deal that brought Lamar Stevens out to Grind City.

A move seen as quite beneficial by the franchise and that received the stamp of approval by veteran big Al Horford, upon his arrival the 25-year-old was viewed as a player who boasts playoff experience and can add much-needed depth and strength to the title-hungry team's frontcourt rotation.

Though he may not have ended up serving as a high-usage and frequently utilized contributor like he was in Memphis, Tillman proved to be a solid sub-20 minute a night role player who, when called upon, provided hustle, energy, and steady defense, especially when star power forward Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined for extended times during both the regular season and playoffs.

During the team's championship run, the big was used sparingly, but he still gave the C's everything he had in an effort to aid in their winning ways, such as he did with the Grizzlies during his tenure.

Always seemingly boasting a championship spirit and mindset, now Tillman can officially add pedigree to the list.