In the NBA, “running it back” is a difficult concept to implement, particularly in light of the new CBA’s numerous limitations. However, center Xavier Tillman Sr. has reportedly accepted to a two-year, minimum-salary agreement to stay in Beantown, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, meaning that the Boston Celtics have added another member of their 2024 championship team back.

Following their five-game NBA Finals victory against the Dallas Mavericks to end the 2023–24 season, the C’s had a number of big guys who were about to hit free agency. But Tillman, promising center Neemias Queta, and third-year Celtic Luke Kornet didn’t remain unrestricted free agents for long. On Tuesday afternoon, Tillman reached an agreement with the Green Team, Kornet began with a one-year contract, and Queta turned down his team option to accept a three-year extension.

At the mid-February trade deadline, the former big man for the Memphis Grizzlies arrived in Boston. He was traded for forward Lamar Stevens, 26, and two second-round picks.

Even though the C’s were a strong contender for the championship before Tillman joined, the 25-year-old merely strengthened their bench. His average through 20 games was 13.7 minutes, 4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1 assist per game.

The key reason Boston’s front staff wanted Tillman was defense, and he gave the Green Team what they needed on the biggest stage in basketball. In the Finals, Tillman substituted in for starting center Kristaps Porzingis when he was hurt, essentially guarding players one through five. In Game 3, he even stayed with Luka Doncic of the Mavericks:

Before Game 3, Tillman had never participated in the Finals, but that didn’t stop him. In just 11 minutes, the Michigan native scored three points, grabbed four rebounds, and blocked two shots. Along the way to the 106-99 triumph, he also made the biggest shot of his career. The Celtics’ mid-season addition was never going to make or break them. All the C’s could hope for, though, is that Tillman humbled himself to accept his part and helped the team win as soon as he set foot in Boston.

What will the Celtics’ offseason include next?

The Celtics have already crossed a number of things off their summer to-do list as they begin the process of winning another championship in the offseason.

Tillman and his fellow bigs were taken care of by the C’s since returning depth is crucial. Sam Hauser, a sharpshooter, also had his team option picked up, indicating that an extension may be next.

Moving forward The lone Celtic who played a significant amount last season but did not sign a new contract with Boston is Oshae Brissett. The 26-year-old is currently a free agent after declining his player option. Even though Brisset tested the open market, a return home is still a possibility.

The Celtics swiftly coordinated with their starters in addition to their bench guys. Derrick White, a versatile guard, has committed to a four-year, $125.9 million deal extension, while Jayson Tatum, a great player, has accepted the biggest contract in league history. The record-breaking contract for the five-time All-Star is worth an incredible $315 million over five years.

For the 2024–25 season, Boston’s top five—which includes Tatum, White, Porzingis, reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday—will return. With their formidable starting lineup, the Celtics destroyed opponents and won the best overall record in the regular season. Boston’s winning ways were maintained by center Al Horford, who stepped up even when Porzingis struggled to remain healthy.

The Celtics finished 16-3 overall in the postseason, with Porzingis missing the final two of those three games due to injury. Boston is a powerful team when it is playing at its best, which is why the front management decided to start all five players again.

The Green Team’s depth will be put to the test early in the upcoming season.

Porzingis is expected to be sidelined for five to six months following surgery, which might seriously affect his availability for opening night, which is probably in late October. But that’s the primary rationale for the Celtics’ top executives’ choice to re-sign Tillman. They are sure that their reserves can prove why they were the world champions the previous season and hold their own in the interim.