With Tillie more of a wild card than a surefire contributor, the Celtics can meaningfully bolster the frontcourt with Xavier Tillman. Though he played in the shadow of Cassius Winston at Michigan State, Tillman is an NBA prospect on his own merits — and a great value for Boston at the tail-end of the first round.
For the Celtics, Tillman checks several boxes. He’s an efficient finisher, operating well out of the pick-and-roll. His feel for the game is advanced compared to most centers in this draft, and he tops it off with a strong defensive profile. Even if he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-9, Tillman is an immediate two-way upgrade over Enes Kanter.
The Celtics might not keep all three picks, but if no trades materialize, this is a strong haul for Danny Ainge. A mixture of upside and NBA readiness, with more than enough pedigree to assuage the fanbase’s concerns.