After a lengthy 90-minute practice session centered on information, technique, and execution, Xavier Tillman headed to the Tobin Community Center in Roxbury, MA.
There, he hosted a watch party for Game 7 of the 1972 NBA Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers and played board games with over seventy-five senior citizens from across the Greater Boston area alongside 2008 champ Leon Powe.
The distance between the Auerbach Center and the Tobin Community Center is 4.3 miles, a drive that, at a speed limit of 25 MPH, should only take roughly 10 minutes.
However, that’s not the case in Boston, especially on a Monday afternoon around two o’clock. Having been in Boston for nearly two and a half weeks, Tillman is already getting used to the reality of city traffic.
“Where I was in Memphis, I was out in the suburbs, so there really wasn’t a lot of traffic going on, like, the roads weren’t, you know, crazy. Pretty standard,” Tillman said. “And when I got here all the tunnels, and the weaves and stuff like that, I was like, ‘Oh, man, this is crazy.’ Traffic is decently bad out here.”
Tillman hasn’t entirely adopted the “Masshole” persona like his boss, Brad Stevens - in fact, he’s not entirely sure what it entails - but he’s certainly observed its presence.
“Yes,” Tillman said when asked if he had encountered Massholes on the road. “I don’t even know, but I feel like I know.”
Just a few blocks from the Tobin Community Center, Jaden Springer, Boston’s other addition at the trade deadline, was at the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center, spending time with elementary and middle school students and unveiling renovations at the center. He, too, is acclimating to the city’s notorious traffic.
“Traffic can be a little tough, I noticed that,” Springer said.
Traffic seems to be one of the few issues both Tillman and Springer are grappling with as they adjust to life in Boston. Otherwise, they’re enjoying their time in their new surroundings.
“The experience has been good. I’ve found one good restaurant so far,” Tillman said. “Obviously, I haven’t been around to really explore yet. But I’m a foodie myself. So, there are definitely a lot of restaurants I want to try out here for sure.”
Springer echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the appeal of the city’s dining choices.
“It’s a great city so far. I’ve been here a few weeks now. Great people, great energy. [I’m] still trying to go out and see more. But so far, it’s been amazing,” Springer said. “There is some pretty good food out here. Good restaurants, good seafood. I’m a big seafood guy, so I’m enjoying that a lot – I hit different spots every day, trying to see which I like the most.”
Like Springer, Tillman also appreciates seafood, mentioning a recent Lobster Roll experience as he explores more of Boston and its authentic New England cuisine.
On the court, the newcomers have been warmly welcomed. Joining a new team midseason isn’t easy, but the laid-back vibe of the locker room has made it easier for Tillman and Springer to fit right in.
“I feel like everybody is pretty cool,” Springer said. “You can tell they are well-connected. Everybody is pretty cool with each other. I feel like they welcomed me in right away and made me one of them. It’s been pretty cool.”
“Everybody as a collective has done a pretty good job of welcoming me and giving me any type of advice,” Tillman added.
Both Tillman and Springer made their Celtics debut last Thursday in Chicago in the final minutes of Boston’s 129-112 blowout win. While both arrived in Boston as insurance options in case of injury, they each provide flexibility with unique defensive abilities.
“The game, the rest of the season, will dictate opportunities,” Joe Mazzulla said last week on how he sees Tillman and Springer’s roles moving forward. “Right now, it’s about just staying ready. Getting used to our schemes on offense and defense, and when the time is right, making sure that they are ready to play.”
For Tillman, the 25-year-old fits into the mold of Boston’s defensive approach, providing versatility and excellent rim protection, averaging 1.2 steals and a block per game. He is one of just 14 players averaging at least one block and one steal per game. With 340 valuable career postseason minutes under his belt, Tillman’s defensive abilities are evident, and he sees himself making his most significant contributions in the paint.
“For me, my impact is going to be on crashing the offensive boards and to be finishing down low,” the Michigan State product said. “That’s a lot of stuff that we’re working on. Me just crashing and me working on different finishes around the rim. You know, shooting and stuff like that, just in case I’m spaced out, but the main meat and potatoes are going to be down low in the paint, for sure.”
Like Tillman, Springer can also really defend. Per Cleaning The Glass, Springer ranks in the 99th percentile among wings in both block and steal percentages. Although the 21-year-old may be initially seen as a prospect for Boston, Stevens didn’t dismiss the possibility of him making an immediate impact.
“I can definitely help with some toughness and physicality,” Springer said. “I feel like I can bring that. Defensively, I feel I can help my teammates guard whoever they need. Offensively, I feel I can space the floor for them to be able to attack and just maybe bring extra possessions for the team and stuff like that.”
No matter how they’ll contribute this spring, they both understand they have a chance to accomplish something special with one of the league’s most prestigious franchises — a motivating factor moving forward.
“It’s crazy. You walk into the practice facility, the arena, anywhere you go, you can just feel the greatness,” Springer said. “You can look up, [and] see all the legends that paved the way. It’s definitely a great feeling. It makes me want to go even harder.”
“It excites me a lot. Obviously, they have had, they have a chance every year,” Tillman said. “So, you know, me getting an opportunity to be in a winning organization like this, I’m very excited, for sure.”
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