Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Xavier Tillman:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Xavier Justis Tillman Sr.
  • Nickname: LT.
  • Nationality: American.
  • Date of Birth: January 12, 1999.
  • Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. (Michigan State University Athletics)
  • Height: 6’8″ (2.03 m).
  • Weight: 245 lbs (111 kg).
  • Wingspan: 7’2″. (NBADraft)
  • Shoe Size: Not publicly confirmed in a reliable source I could verify.
  • Jersey Number (College and NBA): #23 (Michigan State Spartans); #2 (Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets).
  • Position: Forward / Center.
  • High School: Forest Hills Central High School; Grand Rapids Christian High School. (Wikipedia)
  • College: Michigan State (2017–2020).
  • NBA Draft: Sacramento Kings, 2020, Round 2, Pick 35. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night. (NBA)
  • Teams Played For:
    Memphis Grizzlies (2020–2024)
    Boston Celtics (2024–2026)
    Charlotte Hornets (2026–present)
  • Championship Rings: 1 NBA championship (2024, Boston Celtics). (Charlotte Hornets)
  • Parents: Roosevelt Tillman and Tanya Powell-May. (Wikipedia)
  • Children: Ayanna Tillman, Xavier Tillman Jr., and Leilani Tillman. (NBA)
  • Siblings: R.J. Tillman, Ben Tillman, Parker Tillman, and Madisyn Tillman. (Wikipedia)
  • Athlete Relatives: Tanya Powell-May (mother; former Michigan women’s basketball player); Parker Tillman (brother; played football at Northwood). (Wikipedia)

Player Archetype / Play Style

Xavier Tillman’s player archetype is that of a rugged utility big, a defense-first frontcourt piece whose value comes from positioning, screening, rebounding, and connective passing more than flashy scoring. Defensively, he fits as a smart interior helper who can hold ground in the post, rotate on time, switch selectively, and make life harder for opposing bigs with strength and anticipation. Offensively, his role is typically low-usage but useful: set solid screens, facilitate from the elbows or short roll, finish inside, and keep possessions alive with physical work on the glass. Physically, he is not an above-the-rim marvel by NBA center standards, but his 6’8″, 245-pound frame and 7’2″ wingspan help him play bigger than his listed height. The overall play style is built on toughness, IQ, defensive versatility, and unselfish team offense, which is why he has often looked most comfortable as a dependable complementary big in structured lineups. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • Xavier Tillman has credited his family life for helping him mature and develop as a player. He married his high school sweetheart, Tamia, while in college, and they have built a strong family foundation together.
  • His unselfish play and focus on fundamentals make him a key contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. He played a significant role in the team’s success, particularly as a defensive anchor and efficient scorer in the paint.

Sources:
NBA.com — Xavier Tillman | Forward | Charlotte Hornets
NBA.com — Xavier Tillman Bio
Michigan State Spartans — Xavier Tillman Sr. – Men’s Basketball
Michigan State Spartans — Tillman Ready for Next Step, Reflects on his Time at MSU
NBA.com — 3 fun facts about your favorite Summer League players
NBADraft.net — Xavier Tillman
NBA.com — Celtics get Xavier Tillman in trade with Grizzlies
Charlotte Hornets — Hornets Acquire Xavier Tillman Sr. From Celtics
Basketball-Reference — Xavier Tillman Sr. Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
Wikipedia — Xavier Tillman