New Orleans Pelicans 2020 NBA Draft Profile: Killian Tillie
By Nick Alvarez
New Orleans Pelicans Draft Profile: Killian Tillie’s Strengths
When you first put on the tape for Killian Tillie, you might not see a flashy superstar, but you’ll see a high IQ player who impacts winning.
Playing under Mark Few at Gonzaga, Tillie grew over four years at one of the best programs in the country which in turn made him one of the best big men in the NCAA. It all starts with his smooth offensive game.
Put on a highlight reel for Tillie and the first thing that will stand out is that he is the perfect modern big on the offensive end of the floor. He knows just when to set a screen, make a cut, and even relocate to get himself open when the ball isn’t in his hands.
That talent doesn’t come naturally, that comes from years of learning basketball at its highest level, and that knowledge lets Tillie do the little things that impact winning.
More impressive than the nuances in Tillie’s game though are the two attributes that are most talked about with him, his three-point shooting and passing ability.
Killian Tillie has a knockdown three-point shot that the New Orleans Pelicans would love to have from a big man next to Zion Williamson, for his career at Gonzaga he shot an elite 40% from distance. Then comes Tillie’s passing, it’s an instinctive ability that allows him to make advanced reads.
The New Orleans Pelicans can also feel comfortable with his defensive ability because even though he isn’t an elite defender he is smart enough to rotate when needed and follows defensive schemes.