Underrated Playoff Hero Poised to be Celtics’ Game-Changing X-Factor

The Boston Celtics have secured Xavier Tillman through 2026, and while he may be slotted as a backup, his role could prove pivotal in the team’s pursuit of success. Tillman’s importance to the Celtics was recently highlighted by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, who labeled him the team’s “biggest X-factor (no pun intended).”

Hughes detailed in an August 17 piece why Tillman’s contributions could be crucial, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Kristaps Porzingis’ availability at the start of the 2023-24 season. “For as long as Kristaps Porzingis is out to start the 2023-24 season, the Boston Celtics will handle the center position on a night-to-night basis. Most times, Xavier Tillman should be the first man up,” Hughes wrote.

What makes Tillman so valuable is his versatile skill set, which Hughes likens to that of veteran Celtics big man Al Horford. “Tillman is an elite switch defender for a big man, has great hands, grades out as an excellent facilitator, and rarely turns the ball over. Add a credible three-point shot, and Tillman’s scouting report would read a lot like Al Horford‘s.”

With Horford expected to manage his minutes carefully—he averaged 26.8 minutes per game last season—Tillman’s ability to replicate Horford’s effectiveness could allow the Celtics to maintain their preferred style of play without missing a beat.

Tillman’s Playoff Heroics Cemented His Role

Tillman joined the Celtics mid-season and wasn’t expected to play a major role in the 2024 playoffs. But when Porzingis went down with an injury, the Celtics turned to their depth, and Tillman emerged as a crucial contributor, especially during the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.

One of Tillman’s standout moments came in Game 3 of the Finals when he drained a three-pointer that extended the Celtics’ lead to 13 in the third quarter. The shot, combined with his defensive prowess, helped the Celtics secure a commanding 3-0 series lead, eventually leading to a gentleman’s sweep of the Mavericks.

After his impressive playoff performance, the Celtics made sure to bring Tillman back in free agency, solidifying his role as a key piece of their future.

Reflecting on a Defining Moment

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Tillman’s Game 3 three-pointer is now part of Celtics lore, and he recently reflected on the moment during an NBA Spaces conversation. “I made it and I looked right at the bench because I think Dereck Lively was right behind me when I shot it and he was like, ‘(expletive) no,’” Tillman recalled. “So when I hit it, I looked right at him and smiled and was like, ‘Yep.’”

For Tillman, the shot was more than just three points on the scoreboard; it was a moment that encapsulated his competitive spirit. “That was a pretty cool moment because the art and the love and the passion of basketball is all about being competitive. So for me to be able to back up how I was playing and feeling and talking trash, that was an amazing feeling.”

The Road Ahead

While Tillman’s primary role will continue to be on the defensive end, any improvement in his shooting could make him an even more valuable asset for the Celtics. If he can develop into a reliable floor-spacer, Tillman has the potential to be a game-changer for Boston, especially as the team navigates the early part of the season without Porzingis.

As the Celtics aim for another deep playoff run, the contributions of their “X-factor” could very well determine how far they go.