At the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies, moving them from a team that was clearly out of the running for the playoffs to one that many believe is the favourite to win the championship.
There are a lot of contrasts with this, and Tillman explained them to former NBA player Gilbert Arenas during his interview on Gil’s Arena:
Tillman is loving life on a title contender, even if he will always have affection for Memphis, the only NBA city he knew before the move to Boston. Tillman noted in an interview with Arenas that people in Boston keep things lighthearted and then turn serious when it comes to finishing tasks.
Tillman also discussed what it’s like to play for a club that doesn’t lose a lot. The Grizzlies’ season record is obviously very different from the Celtics’, who have only lost 12 games overall.
Tillman has played for some extremely elite teams, and although this season is undoubtedly unique for the Grizzlies, it’s important to remember that. Memphis would have projected to be in the postseason mix, as they have been the past few seasons, if Ja Morant and other key players hadn’t missed so much time due to injury.
Tillman is enjoying life in Boston as much as he did his time in Memphis.
It’s important to note that Tillman has been a part of some really good teams, as this season is certainly abnormal for the Grizzlies. Had Ja Morant and others not spent so much time injured this season, Memphis would project to be in the playoff mix the way they were the last few seasons.
Tillman also spoke on what it’s like being on a team that rarely loses. The Celtics have dropped just 12 games all season, which is of course a big difference from how this season has gone for the Grizzlies.
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