Many members of the Boston Celtics title team in 2024 have since departed Beantown. Some signed with new squads, other guys were traded, and a few even headed overseas — now including former Celtics big man Xavier Tillman Sr. On Tuesday morning, the 2024 NBA champion shared a post on Instagram that announced his signing with Trabzonspor, a basketball club based in Turkey.. Tillman Sr. spent three seasons with Boston and is best remembered for his crucial 3-pointer in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals versus the Dallas Mavericks. That big shot helped the C’s hold on to a 106-99 victory on the road and put them up 3-0 in that championship series, all but sealing the title. The 27-year-old was also a big help off the court, as he did everything from instructing Celtics youngster Jordan Walsh to instilling confidence in Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who was attempting a comeback from a devastating Achilles injury at the time.. Apr 7, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman Sr. (26) looks on during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports. “Impactful in the locker room,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla described of Tillman Sr. shortly after Boston traded him to the Charlotte Hornets. “Being there for all the players and really, great relationships with the staff as well…We were very fortunate to have him.”. Advertisement. Advertisement. Advertisement. Over the course of his six-year NBA career — which featured stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Celtics, and Hornets — Tillman Sr. averaged 4.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 15 minutes per game. The former second-round pick was a stout defender as well and just a positive force on every roster he joined.. He’ll look to continue that pattern in Turkey where basketball has become more and more popular in recent years.. Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:. Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp. iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47. YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3. This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Former Boston Celtics champion signs with Turkish basketball club
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