Xavier Tillman could shore up the Nuggets' frontcourt depth

The Nuggets currently hold the No. 22 pick in the NBA Draft. Over the next month, the DNVR Nuggets crew will examine who Denver may pick with that selection. Make sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 18, the night of the draft and DNVR Nuggets Draft Day LIVE streaming on Periscope and YouTube.

Who is Xavier Tillman?

The Nuggets are facing major questions this offseason when it comes to their frontcourt. Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee, who if they are to return next season will be Denver’s primary backups at the four and five, are both free agents. Behind them, reserve center Noah Vonleh is also a free agent. The Nuggets remain extremely high on Bol Bol, but next season is too early to rely on him as a primary backup.

Xavier Tillman Sr. is someone who could help shore up the Nuggets frontcourt depth for the next several years and he’s more ready to play now than many projected top-60 picks. The 21-year-old isn’t the most talented player available in the back half of the first round. He’s not the most potent scorer. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling of the group of players that will likely be on the board when the Nuggets are selecting. But if Denver, or another team picking in the 20-30 range, wants to hit a single or a double on draft night instead of swinging for a home run, Tillman may be just what a contending team is looking for.

Tillman has a high floor as a prospect in comparison to other players projected to go in the late-first to mid-second-round. If he reaches his potential he could be a starter but is more likely a third big who can make spot starts at both frontcourt positions. Tillman’s 6-foot-8 with a 7-1 wingspan and projects as primarily a center at the NBA level although in certain lineups he could play the four.

He’s also the reigning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and was one of the best defenders in college basketball. Last season Tillman was one of just three players in college to average at least 13.5 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and two blocks per game.

Strengths

• Interior defense: At 245 pounds, Tillman is a brick wall on the block. He’s strong when defending in the post, has good positioning/technique, and although he’s not a prototypical high-flying shot-blocker, Tillman blocks a lot of shots.
• Really strong finisher in the paint despite his lack of north-south athleticism. Knows how to create space on the block for himself and has soft hands and a soft touch around the rim.
• Great screener, can effectively read the defense and also a gifted passer. Consistently makes the correct read and pass out of the short roll. Has a few polished go-to post moves but probably won’t be a high-usage back-to-the basket big in the NBA.
• High IQ defender and aggressive rebounder who boxes out. Knows how to defend every pick-and-roll coverage and is a willing communicator.

Weaknesses

• Three-point shooting is a question mark and could limit his upside. Shot 26% (13-50) from three last season and was a career 70% free-throw shooter in college. That’s not awful for a big but it will take some time.
• Undersized for a true center in today’s NBA at 6-foot-8 and could struggle to defend and finish against length at the next level.
• Has a tendency to bite on pump fakes.

NBA Comparison: Derrick Favors

How does Tillman fit with the Nuggets?

Offense

One of my favorite skills that showed up on Tillman’s film was his ability to make the correct read and the right pass off the short roll (he averaged three assists per game last season.) That’s pretty much a required skill for rolling big man in the NBA.

Tillman’s NBA ceiling could depend on if he becomes a capable three-point shooter and pick-and-pop threat. Currently, his shot is inconsistent although it’s not a lost cause. In Denver, he could play the dunker spot with Nikola Jokic stretching the floor, but on bench lineups without as much shooting, the Nuggets’ offense with Tillman could be a little clunky. Still, his presence on the offensive glass and energy would be a boost. His ideal fit is likely as a second unit center and in that vein he’d fit well with Bol down the road.

Tillman’s reportedly a grinder and you get the feeling that teams are high on his work ethic, character, and the fact that he knows his limits as a player. For a team like Denver, he’d be a low-cost frontcourt piece that could plug a role in its present and future rotation.

Defense

Tillman averaged over two blocks per game last season but isn’t a classic rim protector. He has a 7-1 wingspan, which is short for today’s top shot-blockers. However, he’s a strong post defender with good technique who uses his size and strength well. If the Nuggets lost Millsap in free agency this summer, Jokic and Tillman would immediately be Denver’s two best post defenders.

One of Tillman’s selling points is his high IQ and awareness on both ends of the floor. In the pick-and-roll, he can execute any defensive coverage which will help him get on the floor quickly as a rookie. Tillman moves well for his size and at times has held his own when he gets switched out onto smaller guards, but he’s not likely a 1-5 switchable big.

Tillman’s also a big-time hustle player. He dives on the floor for loose balls and attacks the glass hard on both ends of the floor. Michael Malone would love him in Denver.