The Celtics’ frontcourt depth was a contentious topic late into last season. Daniel Theis is fine — even good — but he’s exploitable in certain matchups. Neither Enes Kanter nor Robert Williams are serviceable for extended minutes in the postseason.
In Killian Tillie, the Celtics would get a lottery-level talent who could pay huge dividends this late in the first round. The only drawback is Tillie’s injury history, which is extensive and worrisome. It’s why many expect him to fall into the second round. That said, if Tillie can stay on the floor, his combination of skill and size could prove transformational to Boston’s frontcourt dynamic.
Tillie is still light on his feet. He’s a honey-sweet shooter at 6-foot-10, with the feel and basketball I.Q. of some point guards. He’s unselfish, he knows how to cut and relocate off-ball, and on defense, he’s much better than his reputation suggests. This is a potential home-run for the Celtics, who can afford to take a risk with three first-round picks.