Here’s everything you need to know about the newest Celtic, from protecting the Grant Williams TPE to a scouting report on a guy who might prove to be more than just a rental.
Just one day before the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics took care of what might turn out to be their most important necessity. With a 38-12 record, the team leading the league could have afforded to sit it out and then make Neemias Queta a full-time employee instead of forcing him to sign a two-way contract.
However, Kristaps Porzingis, who had a history of lower body illnesses before moving to Boston, struggled with plantar fasciitis throughout the summer and has lost time this season because of a number of minor lower-body ailments.
Al Horford, 37, has 16 years of NBA experience under his belt.
About a month ago, it sparked a discussion between Brad Stevens, the team’s head of basketball operations, and Inside The Celtics about the possibility that the club may look to upgrade its options at the pivot after their top two choices.
“What you look at is guys that can play, guys that can add value,” Stevens said. But as I mentioned the previous year, that’s not necessary to play. They have moved past themselves. And that, in my opinion, is crucial. That’s our current situation.
“And Kristaps has clearly played well for us; Al has also played well, in my opinion. When needed, I believe Luke (Kornet) and Neemy have both greatly enhanced the situation.”
Xavier Tillman fills the mold for Boston even though he won’t have the same impact as Porzingis or Horford.
The newest Celtic is eligible for their $1.8 million Justin Jackson traded player exception (TPE) because his $1.9 million contract is about to expire. Teams can absorb up to $100,000 more in pay than the TPE is worth.
Due to the more punitive nature of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, Boston can choose to keep their $6.2 million Grant Williams moved player exception, which is a significant tool that will essentially expire after Thursday’s trade deadline.
But according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics will use some of their $6.2 million trade protection equity to help complete this deal. The Celtics acquired Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick via the Atlanta Hawks, a 2030 second-round selection via the Dallas Mavericks, and Lamar Stevens. However, it appears more likely that they did not utilize the traded player exception and that Stevens’ inclusion was done for salary-matching considerations.
The native of Michigan turned 25 in January. He’s a talented young player with playoff experience, as explained at various points while describing why he’s an appealing possible target for the C’s.
The three-year veteran’s postseason averages against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs were 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. In addition, he produced almost a block and a steal every game.
In the current campaign, he is averaging 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. According to dunksandthrees.com, he also has a defensive estimated plus-minus rating in the 99th percentile.
The large-framed Tillman, who stands six feet eight inches and weighs 245 pounds, moves effectively for his size and can play with Porzingis or Horford. In the last several months of the regular season, pacing the two of them is also made easy by him.
The former Michigan State Spartan is willing to assist when needed, especially if he needs to step up in the unfortunate event that Horford or Porzingis gets hurt. Although his contract is expiring, his age, skill, and likelihood that his next contract won’t be too expensive indicate that he may be more than just a rental for Boston.
