Both Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman’s prospects of earning rotation time later in the season will depend on their ability to play catch-up.
That, in my opinion, is the most important thing that will support me when I get the opportunity to play on the court. The offence in Philly, in my opinion, was driven by Joel Embiid, the team’s big man, or the point guard, who they used to pick and roll with one another. It is more of a balance coming here. You have a group of players who can all shoot hoops, play in various contexts, attack, and create opportunities for one another. What a difference it makes.
With Celtics adviser Jeff Van Gundy watching, Springer made three-pointers out of the corner before turning to attack Bucknor, who was defending Springer with blocking pads on his hands, downhill. After Springer had dunked past him, he attempted to call a foul multiple times. In their workouts, Lashbrook, who also worked with Springer in Philadelphia, claimed that no fouls are called. Springer spent almost thirty minutes working out before playing for one minute in the victory. Until he and Xavier Tillman Sr. adjust to their new team following the trade deadline, this is his life.
While Tillman spent the week away from home following a hectic transfer from Memphis to Boston that featured the shock of city traffic, Springer worked out at the gym in between multiple stops during his break, which included a vacation to Florida.
As of yet, neither player has accrued rotational minutes. As they catch up to Boston’s scheme, Joe Mazzulla recently stated that they will play situationally. Both players are accustomed to their new schedule of infrequently playing and making use of the early-morning stay-ready runs that they participate in with coaches and other bench players.
Tillman told CLNS/CelticsBlog, “They called them play groups back in Memphis.” “At that point, we had the chance to practise playing like a game in four-on-four and five-on-five situations with coaches. That, in my opinion, is the only way I can improve. It goes without saying that you can exercise and build muscle, but it is not the same as what you will do in the game. My third season was one of my best memories. I asked to be placed on the G team because, going into the season, I knew that I would not get many minutes and I did not want to waste any time working out while sitting on the bench. No matter where I play, I would like to be playing.
The stay-ready groups have been quite beneficial for us in terms of getting down and doing cardio.
According to sources, both players will see some action later in the season as big men in particular need to get some rest before the playoffs. In March, the Celtics travel to Detroit and Chicago for two back-to-back games against the Wizards and Pistons. April will see a third, both at home versus the Hornets and Knicks. Boston now has an 8.0-game lead in the East and a 4.5-game lead in the NBA. Over the following week, the schedule softens to one of the worst final stretch any club in the league will play (the 28th in win pct), with five test games versus Cleveland and four elite players from the west scheduled.
