Celtics' reinvigorated center reinforces recent declarations in preseason opener

Xavier Tillman Sr. probably feels like a new man. He has lost 12 pounds, and his knee is now healthy. The latter was a problem that plagued him last season, compromising his ability to contribute.

"My knee would have days where it would just swell up into a balloon after I'd have one scrimmage," said Tillman during training camp. "I knew consistency-wise, I could be there to support, but as far as my actual play, I couldn't do everything that I wanted to do. So, last year was difficult in that aspect."

Throughout his career, the five-year veteran has proven dependable. When asked about his motivation to prove last season was an outlier, he conveyed the following to Hardwood Houdini.

"I think it's through the work that I put in," said Tillman. "I come in each day, and I work my butt off, and then, depending on the schedule, we gotta come back at night and get extra shots up. So, I just leave it to the work that I do, and I think that it's gonna pay off once I get my opportunities."

Tillman put his offseason preparation and physical transformation to good use in Boston's first exhibition game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Xavier Tillman Sr. impresses in Celtics' preseason opener

Back where his career began, the six-foot-seven power forward and center showcased the on-court benefits of his leaner physique. What stood out the most while watching the 26-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was his mobility on the defensive end of the floor. It was the start of validating what he told Hardwood Houdini at training camp.

"You'll see my defense come back again, where I'lll make cuts and do things where it's like, okay, you can really switch and guard one through five," Tillman stated to Hardwood Houdini after a practice session at the Auerbach Center. "It's because of my knee health and that I got it back in the right direction mechanically."

Until last season, his team, whether in Boston or before that in Memphis, could count on the former Michigan State standout to hold up on switches. That includes blocking Luka Doncic twice in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals. But this lighter version of him is even more nimble. There was a bouncy element to how he moved in a half-court setting. He wasn't just comfortable defending the Grizzlies' guards, but he was eager for the challenge.

That includes flipping his hips to keep Braxton Key in front of him on a drive before slapping the ball away as the latter gathered it after a euro-step and tried to find daylight for a layup.

Tillman also tapped into the athleticism he hadn't had access to a season ago, while dealing with the swelling in his knee, when he joined Josh Minott on a two-on-one fast break. The latter lofted him a lob, which he snagged and slammed with one hand.

Tillman finished with seven points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in 23 minutes in the Celtics' 121-103 win. What he showcased in terms of his mobility and defensive versatility was encouraging. It reinforced the belief that he will play a meaningful role in Boston's center rotation. Beyond that, he can operate in double-big lineups that will help them address concerns about keeping opponents off the glass.