The Boston Celtics are staring down a pivotal offseason in 2025, with a tight salary cap and tough roster decisions looming. As fans dream of another championship run, one move from last summer has sparked outrage: the signing of power forward Xavier Tillman. What was meant to be a low-risk, high-reward deal has turned into a nightmare for Celtics fans, who are venting their frustration on social media over Tillman’s abysmal performance. Let’s break down why this signing has become a lightning rod for criticism and what it means for Boston’s future, as the team navigates a financially strained path forward.
The Hype Around Tillman’s Signing
In February 2024, the Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade for Lamar Stevens and two future second-round picks. By July, Boston signed him to a two-year, $4.7 million contract at the veteran’s minimum—a deal that seemed like a steal for a player with playoff experience and a reputation for hustle. At 25 years old, Tillman was expected to provide depth at power forward, offering defensive grit and versatility off the bench. For a team juggling a bloated salary cap, this low-cost addition appeared to be a savvy move by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens.
Fans were cautiously optimistic, hoping Tillman could carve out a role in a stacked roster featuring stars like Jayson Tatum, whose massive five-year, $313.9 million extension kicks in for the 2025-26 season. With Boston’s championship aspirations, every roster spot needed to deliver value, and Tillman’s affordable contract seemed like a no-brainer—until the games began.
A Disastrous 2024-25 Season
Tillman’s performance in the 2024-25 season has been nothing short of catastrophic. In 33 appearances, he posted career lows across key metrics:
Field goal percentage: A shocking 24.5%, far below his career average.
3-point shooting: A dismal 15.6%, rendering him ineffective from beyond the arc.
Scoring and rebounding: A measly 1.0 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
For a team built to compete for titles, these numbers are unacceptable. Tillman’s inability to contribute meaningfully has left him as a virtual non-factor on the court, often relegated to the end of the bench. Fans have taken to platforms like X to express their dismay, with posts like “Why is Tillman taking up a roster spot?” and “$4.7M for THIS?” flooding social media. The frustration is palpable, as supporters question why a player with such minimal impact is eating up a valuable roster slot on a championship-hopeful team.
The Financial Fallout
To make matters worse, Tillman’s contract is fully guaranteed for the 2025-26 season at $2.55 million. Waiving him would provide no cap relief, leaving the Celtics stuck with a player who, based on current performance, offers little upside. With Boston’s salary cap already stretched thin—exacerbated by Tatum’s supermax deal and the high salaries of other core players like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday—every dollar counts. The Celtics can’t afford to carry dead weight, yet Tillman’s contract has become a financial anchor, albeit a small one.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With Tatum sidelined in the near future, Boston needs every player to step up, and Tillman’s lack of production only amplifies the pressure on the roster. The fact that even a veteran’s minimum deal has turned into a regret underscores the razor-thin margin for error in Boston’s roster construction.
What Went Wrong?
Several factors may explain Tillman’s struggles. First, his role in Boston was always going to be limited, given the team’s depth at forward with players like Tatum, Brown, and Al Horford. Unlike his time in Memphis, where he had more opportunities to shine, Tillman has struggled to find a consistent rhythm in a crowded rotation. Second, his shooting woes—particularly from three-point range—have made him a liability on offense, forcing the Celtics to rely on others in key moments. Finally, injuries or confidence issues could be at play, though no specific reports confirm this.
Some fans argue that Tillman’s defensive hustle and playoff experience could still offer value in specific matchups. However, his inability to produce even modest stats has drowned out any optimism, leaving many to label him a “bust” for Boston.
The Bigger Picture
Tillman’s signing is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the Celtics. As Brad Stevens navigates the 2025 offseason, he must make tough calls about retaining or moving core players while staying under the salary cap. Every misstep, no matter how small, could jeopardize Boston’s ability to remain a playoff contender. The Tillman experiment serves as a cautionary tale: even low-cost signings can backfire if the player fails to deliver. With fans already on edge, Stevens’ next moves will be scrutinized, and Tillman’s lackluster season will linger as a sore spot unless he can stage a dramatic turnaround.
The Xavier Tillman signing was meant to be a low-risk move for the Celtics, but his vanishing act on the court has turned it into a costly mistake—at least in the eyes of furious fans. With a guaranteed contract tying him to the roster through 2025-26, Boston is stuck with a player who has yet to justify his spot. As the team faces a critical offseason, Tillman’s struggles highlight the importance of maximizing every dollar and roster spot. Can he redeem himself, or will this deal haunt the Celtics as they chase another title?