Xavier Tillman Sharpening Three-Point Skills to Reclaim Spot in Celtics Rotation
Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman Sr. is working diligently on his three-point shooting to regain his place in the team’s rotation after being sidelined two months ago. Reflecting on his journey during a panel event in Brighton, Tillman expressed optimism and humor, joking about feeling older than his age as he celebrated turning 26.
Despite experiencing one of his healthiest seasons in years, Tillman lost his rotation spot following a challenging performance against the Nets in November, where he missed all three of his three-point attempts. Since then, he has focused on improving his confidence and becoming an “unconscious shooter,” akin to teammates like Sam Hauser, who remain unfazed under defensive pressure.
Tillman has been consistently working behind the scenes, practicing with teammates like Neemias Queta and Jaden Springer, and engaging in scrimmages with Kristaps Porziņģis to stay prepared. His dedication to becoming a reliable shooter reflects the Celtics’ expectation for him to expand his offensive game.
Acquired nearly a year ago in a trade involving two second-round picks, Tillman played a key role in Boston’s Finals run, including a critical three-pointer during Game 3 against Dallas. While his regular-season stats included a modest 25.5% from beyond the arc, his offseason work has focused on turning those numbers around.
Though he’s seen limited playing time this season, Tillman remains optimistic about his progress and values his role within the team, both on and off the court. As the Celtics aim to stay competitive, Tillman’s growth as a versatile shooter could play a pivotal role in bolstering the roster
‘s depth.
