Xavier Tillman's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Grizzlies Roster
Michigan State big man Xavier Tillman Sr. is headed for Memphis after going 35th overall to the Grizzlies following a trade with the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA draft Wednesday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Xavier Tillman
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 245
Pro Comparison: Grant Williams
Scouting Report: Tillman's defensive IQ could earn him nice NBA paychecks and a lengthy career. He'll make his mark and living guarding with toughness, quality rotations and switches. But that IQ also shows up offensively on passes and cuts. If he can just become a threatening catch-and-shoot option, he'll emerge as one of the steals of the 2020 draft.
Gorgui Dieng, C: $15.7M (2021)
Jonas Valanciunas, C: $15M (2022)
Justise Winslow, SF: $13M (2022)
Dillon Brooks, SF: $11.7M (2023)
Kyle Anderson, SF: $9.3M (2022)
Ja Morant, PG: $8.9M (2023)
Tyus Jones, PG: $8.8M (2022)
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF: $6.7M (2022)
Marko Guduric, SG: $2.7M (2021)
Brandon Clarke, PF: $2.5M (2023)
Grayson Allen, SG: $2.3M (2022)
Desmond Bane, SG: Rookie scale contract (2024)
Xavier Tillman, C
Josh Jackson, SF: UFA
De'Anthony Melton, PG: RFA
Jontay Porter, PF: Team option
Shaq Buchanan, G: RFA
Yuta Watanabe, F: RFA
John Konchar, G: RFA
Anthony Tolliver, PF: UFA
The Memphis Grizzlies nearly made the playoffs last season in what was expected to be a rebuilding year, causing the team to look for players who can help immediately.
First-round pick Desmond Bane provides a shooting upgrade, while Tillman should help immediately with his defense. The big man will instantly join the rotation alongside fellow Michigan State product Jaren Jackson Jr. and provide plenty of help for the interior defense.
