Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Memphis Grizzlies decide to bring Xavier Tillman back for 2023-24

When Xavier Tillman was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, it felt like his fit with the organization was perfect. He brought a physical style of play with a high IQ and many Michigan State fans believed that he could have a Draymond Green-type role in the NBA.

Like Draymond, Tillman had a slow start to his Michigan State career before becoming a star by his junior year. He left after his third year and the Grizzlies jumped at the opportunity to take him in the second round. He joined former teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis and, also like Draymond, his role in his first two years was pretty limited.