Did last season set the tone for the rest of Xavier Tillman Sr.'s career, or was it an outlier dictated by what happened before it began?
While the Boston Celtics were in the midst of a dominant 16-3 playoff run to Banner 18 in 2024, Tillman tragically lost his father. A postseason distraction may have helped him to some extent in the moment. But after lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy and enjoying a duck boat ride down Boylston Street, he could grieve without it.
"My dad passed away in May, so for me, it was more so to get away from last year to be able to sit with my thoughts and really figure out my next steps, my family's next steps, how are we going to progress, and stuff like that," Tillman told this author last training camp in September.
He also battled a knee injury that hampered his on-court production. The combination led to what was easily the worst of his five NBA seasons.
The former Michigan State standout averaged 1.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 7.0 minutes of playing time. He appeared in just 33 games.
There were nights when multiple mainstays were inactive, but Tillman either registered another did not play - coach's decision, or got in for the final minutes, with the outcome already determined.
That includes contests where it wasn't just fellow members of Boston's extended rotation but also an individual on a two-way deal, namely JD Davison or Drew Peterson, getting in, as their veteran teammate looked on in his warm-up gear.
Will Xavier Tillman Sr. bounce back next season?
Outside of what unfolded in the 2024-25 campaign, Tillman has been a productive, dependable player throughout his career.
When the Celtics acquired him in February of 2024, he ranked in the 99th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus.
His postseason contributions include performing well defensively against Anthony Davis when the Memphis Grizzlies faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of his final playoff run with his former team.
With Boston, Tillman most notably stepped up in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals. His defensive contributions included blocking Luka Doncic twice.
He also buried a corner three during a spectacular third frame by the Celtics that helped them seize a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks.
Tillman hits the 3 and has a BIG smile for the Mavs bench 😁 pic.twitter.com/Zw4FoCmeK3
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 13, 2024
The 26-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan, can't hesitate to let it fly from beyond the arc, like he did last season. He also has to significantly raise his conversion rate from 15.6 percent on 1.0 three-point attempts in the previous campaign.
However, if Tillman's in a better place mentally to contribute on the court, if he's healthy and in shape, he could prove last season was an outlier.
Even after the signing of Chris Boucher, who's expected to have a significant role with the Celtics, per ESPN's Shams Charania, there's considerable opportunity for the centers on Boston's depth chart.
Getting the old Tillman back would go a long way towards shoring up the team's most concerning position. It also happens to be a contract year for him, making this an ideal time to seize the chance that's in front of him.