Why a position change is the key to Xavier Tillman Sr.'s role on the Memphis Grizzlies
Xavier Tillman Sr. is facing a unique situation. Either he has to adapt, or he could be glued to the Memphis Grizzlies bench this season.
Tillman has been a center his entire basketball life, but now he’s being asked to play power forward, too. The Grizzlies have built one of the NBA’s deepest rosters with an emphasis on versatility. Most of the roster plays multiple positions, and having Tillman add depth at power forward is something Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins wants to see.
“It just gives us another guy outside of our fives to be another screen and roller, to be another playmaker too,” Jenkins said.
Just how different are the four and five positions? Well, in the Grizzlies’ system, it’s an adjustment. Most Grizzlies players say the one-through-four spots are interchangeable in the offensive system. The only thing that changes much is positioning on the floor.
At the five, players set more screens and can roll to the rim and finish around the basket. Take Brandon Clarke, for example. It’s no coincidence that as Jaren Jackson Jr. stayed healthy last season, Clarke had the most efficient season of his career. Jackson staying on the floor allowed Clarke to operate as more of a roller at the five and put him in the best position to use his skill set. While he still is capable of handling those assignments at the four, he’d also be asked to shoot more.
PRACTICE:Ja Morant dunks, rookie dance moves highlight Memphis Grizzlies open practice
VS. MIAMI:Memphis Grizzlies outhustled by Miami Heat in first preseason loss
JAREN JACKSON JR.:Memphis Grizzlies update Jaren Jackson Jr.'s injury status — and it's a good one
Now back to Tillman.
The third-year big man played Friday’s preseason loss against the Miami Heat with most of his minutes coming at power forward. The force and power that he brings at power forward was noticeable through his five rebounds, but he finished a team-low minus-13 off the bench in 21 minutes.
“Playing the four is a learning adjustment,” Tillman said. “I’m all about evolving, I’m all about getting better.”
Grizzlies roster spots are shrinking, and position versatility may be the key to Tillman’s ticket. Jenkins often compliments Tillman’s defensive versatility, which was evident by his six playoff starts last season.
Desmond Bane is often in Tillman’s ear telling him to shoot because he’ll need to do more of that at the four. He’s also capable. Tillman made 22 of 65 (33.8%) 3-pointers as a rookie before making just 10 of 49 (20.4%) in his second season.
Shooting potential, rebounding and tenacity are all Tillman’s strengths. He’s also another of the Grizzlies players who get complimented for his work and selflessness.
Players who start playoff games don’t often end up playing in summer league, but Tillman, who called himself a “team guy,” did so during this past summer and used that time to help the younger players. He also was one of the names mentioned as a potential starter at power forward with Jackson injured, but Santi Aldama has grabbed a firm hold on that position.
Tillman’s way to the court will likely be as the No. 3 center behind Steven Adams and Clarke, or working his way into the backup power forward role.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why position change is key to Memphis Grizzlies' Xavier Tillman's role
