Lansing Sun

Xavier Tillman Sr., a former Michigan State basketball player, has recently become an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics secured their 18th championship by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

Celebrations took place in Boston, where Tillman and his family participated in a parade on one of the city's iconic Duck Boats, attracting over a million spectators. "That is like a top-5 best experience of my life," Tillman shared with Dan Roche from WBZ-TV. He expressed gratitude for the support received from fans during this memorable occasion.

Tillman was traded to the Celtics from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline in February. He contributed as a key reserve player throughout Boston's successful season and playoff run. During his time with the team, he played in 20 regular-season games, averaging 2.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. In eight playoff appearances, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 rebounds.

Reflecting on his performance in Game 3 of the series against Dallas, Tillman told NBC Sports Boston, "It felt amazing, it felt amazing." He emphasized his focus on defense, communication, setting screens, and hitting corner threes as essential aspects of his contribution to the team's success.

Tillman's achievement marks him as one of nine former Spartans who have collectively won 17 NBA Championship titles. "This is an organization (Boston) and a ballclub that had wanted this for so long," Tillman remarked after winning the title.

He joins Sam Vincent as another Michigan State alumnus who has won an NBA title with the Celtics; Vincent was part of the team that triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers in 1986.

Magic Johnson was Michigan State's first NBA champion, winning five titles with the Lakers between 1980 and 1988. Other Spartans who have earned NBA titles include Draymond Green with Golden State Warriors (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022), Bryn Forbes with Milwaukee Bucks (2021), Shannon Brown with Lakers (2009 and 2010), Steve Smith and Kevin Willis with San Antonio Spurs (2003), and Matt Steigenga with Chicago Bulls (1997).