Wiz of Awes
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3 easily acquirable centers the Washington Wizards should consider trading for

By Cem Yolbulan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

Xavier Tillman Sr.

A similar situation to the ones above exists in Memphis as well. The Grizzlies’ frontcourt rotation consists of Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Santi Aldama. Despite being a solid and consistent contributor in the last three seasons, Xavier Tillman Sr. might get squeezed out of playing time in that crowded rotation.

Tillman Sr. has demonstrated an intriguing skillset since he was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. He is undersized at 6’8, but he makes up for it with his strength and mobility. He can stay in front of smaller players thanks to his lateral quickness and behind bigger players thanks to his strong build. In a larger role, he could easily blossom into a defensive anchor and tone-setter.

Moreover, he has an intriguing offensive skill set as well. He is active on the boards, has good hands, court vision, and a soft touch. He can keep the offense flowing when he gets the ball. That is a vastly underrated skill for a defense-first big man.

His contract is expiring at the end of the 2023-24 season. Considering the financial crunch the Grizzlies will be in with huge contracts to Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr, they might be unwilling to satisfy Tillman Sr.’s contract demands. If an extension with Memphis is not in the cards, Tillman Sr. should have plenty of suitors, including the Washington Wizards. The 24-year-old has the potential to be much more than what he was able to show as a Grizzly. The Wizards should give him that chance.

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