Tillman experienced an interesting season in 2023-24. The big man began the season in Memphis and started five games. He then missed most of November due to a knee issue. Tillman returned in December to a Grizzlies squad that would eventually become decimated by injuries. With Memphis facing an 18-33 record at the deadline, the Griz dealt Tillman to the Celtics for draft picks and Lamar Stevens. Tillman again experienced knee issues in February, which caused a slow start to his Celtics career. He didn't see real minutes as a Celtic until March. But then Tillman appeared in 16 of Boston's last 18 regular-season games and averaged 14.1 minutes per contest, with two starts. Boston then shrunk its rotation during its championship playoff run. Tillman appeared in only eight postseason games and averaged a modest 8.6 minutes of run over those contests. Still, the 25-year-old earned a championship ring, something that certainly wasn't going to happen in Memphis. The C's return essentially the same roster for 2024-25, leaving Tillman as a reserve. But Kristaps Porzingis will be out through November and possibly much of December due to offseason foot surgery. That means Al Horford, Luke Kornet and Tillman should all see more minutes at the five. At 38 years of age, Horford will still skip the second of back-to-backs. That leaves Kornet and Tillman with the occasional opportunity to see big minutes. Even when the injury-riddled Unicorn returns, he's no lock to play every night. Overall, Tillman's playing time will be erratic, with a mix of both starts and DNP's.