With the NBA draft looming, HoopsHype developed a player comparison list for potential first-round picks. Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman, who is projected as a late first-round pick, made the list.
HoopsHype gave Xavier Tillman a couple of lofty comparisons, saying that the MSU big man compares well to Al Horford, Udonis Haslem, and James Johnson. HoopsHype dove in further, explaining their reasoning.
“Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman is known for his intimidating physical presence, his incredible basketball-IQ and his advanced playmaking out of the high post. He has the passing and strength of James Johnson and could carve out a long career in the NBA like Udonis Haslem.”
While I agree with the three names the article gave Tillman, I believe they missed the biggest NBA comparison there is to Tillman, which is Bam Adebayo. Bam’s defensive precense and ability to facilitate in the half-court is very similar to the style of play Tillman will be expected to play.
