Celtics biggest X-factor for 2025 season isn’t who fans would expect

There’s a ton of talent on the Boston Celtics roster. That much is obvious, as evidenced by the fact that they just won a championship (and brought everybody from their title roster back). But the X-factor on the roster, according to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, isn’t who most fans would expect.

Payton Pritchard would be a solid choice. His shot-making and elite catch-and-shoot game are essential. The same can be said for Sam Hauser. Even someone like Al Horford, Derrick White, or Jrue Holiday would be a fine option. But Hughes went with big man Xavier Tillman.

Boston re-signed Tillman to a two-year contract this summer after a successful playoff campaign. They originally traded for Tillman at the deadline, and he played big-time minutes for the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Xavier Tillman pegged as Celtics biggest X-factor

Now, with Kristaps Porzingis slated to miss significant time to begin the season, Tillman could play a much larger role.

“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,” Hughes wrote. “Add a credible three-point shot, and Tillman's scouting report would read a lot like Al Horford's. Boston obviously trusts the 38-year-old vet more than either Tillman or Kornet, but Horford can't be expected to log more than the 26.8 minutes per game he managed last season. The closer Tillman gets to replicating Horford's shooting, the more he'll allow the Celtics to sustain the style they like.”

As Hughes hinted at, Tillman could be the Celtics’ long-term plan to replace Al Horford, who is already 38 years old. Tillman is an extremely versatile defender, capable of guarding big men and guards alike, and his three-point shot has taken major strides.

In addition to his brief minutes in the postseason this past year, Tillman has experience playing on big stages. He was a huge part of the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023.

Tillman is ready and eager to play a bigger role next year, and the Celtics should be very excited about the growth he could enjoy with more minutes and new responsibilities.