Boston Celtics trade deadline additions send encouraging messages on C's culture

Jan 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman (2) warms up before the
Jan 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman (2) warms up before the / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Boston Celtics trade deadline additions Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman aren't totally acclimated to the "Massholes" on the road in the city of Boston, but they are getting acclimated to the C's locker room because of the veterans welcoming them with open arms.

“I feel like everybody is pretty cool,” Springer said (h/t WEEI). “You can tell they are well-connected. Everybody is pretty cool with each other. I feel like they welcomed me in right away and made me one of them. It’s been pretty cool.”

“Everybody as a collective has done a pretty good job of welcoming me and giving me any type of advice,” Tillman added.

Boston Celtics trade deadline additions Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman discuss what they'll bring to Cs

Springer and Tillman projected their roles on the current Celtics -- with the former focusing on his defensive impact on the perimeter and the latter on his rebounding and shooting in the team's frontcourt.

“I can definitely help with some toughness and physicality,” Springer said. “I feel like I can bring that. Defensively, I feel I can help my teammates guard whoever they need. Offensively, I feel I can space the floor for them to be able to attack and just maybe bring extra possessions for the team and stuff like that.”

“For me, my impact is going to be on crashing the offensive boards and to be finishing down low,” Tillman said. “That’s a lot of stuff that we’re working on. Me just crashing and me working on different finishes around the rim. You know, shooting and stuff like that, just in case I’m spaced out, but the main meat and potatoes are going to be down low in the paint, for sure.”

Both players aren't expected to crack the playoff rotation, but it's definitely a good sign that Springer and Tillman have defined roles and proper expectations on what they can bring Boston; which had a winning formula before they arrived. But if the duo can stay ready in the event of an emergency and the Cs can still achieve what it looks like they are on track to, Brad Stevens will have won the trade deadline.