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Big Ten Tournament: 5 prospects the Detroit Pistons should watch

By Jacob Warfle

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans late in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans late in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Xavier Tillman Sr., Junior, Michigan State

The Detroit Pistons need to start hitting on draft picks and Xavier Tillman Sr. is a player any NBA team would not regret drafting.

Tillman Sr., who became a “Sr.” after the birth of his son in February, is the embodiment of one word: dependable.

The junior forward/center emerged last season as Michigan State made a run all the way to the Final Four. This year, he has taken on more of leadership role alongside Winston. He is an elite defender, great rebounder, and possesses a fantastic motor. He is the quiet force that drives the Spartans.

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TIllman is averaging 13.7 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per games, and 3.0 assists per game, on 55 percent shooting from the field. His defensive numbers are the story with 2.1 blocks per game to go with 1.2 steals per game. In a conference with plenty of talented big men, Tilllman holds down the paint.

The biggest concerns with Tillman Sr. are his draft age, athleticism, and size. At only 6’9″ and 245 lbs, he is a little undersized to play the center position in the NBA, however, the game may be trending in the right direction.

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Tillman would make the perfect small ball center a la Montrezl Harrell or former-Spartan Draymond Green.

As a high-floor, low-ceiling player, Tillman  will not jumping off anyone’s draft boards come summer. Tankathon and CBS Sports both have him in the back of the first round, early second round range.

If Tillman Sr. continues to fly under the radar, the Pistons could make a play for him in hopes to bring him off the bench next season.