New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: 2nd Round Rim Protectors to Target

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Xavier Tillman could be a second round target for the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Xavier Tillman

Xavier Tillman: Forward, Michigan State

Xavier Tillman is a 6-foot-9 junior who could be a steal if he falls to the second round of the NBA Draft.

He is a guy who defends multiple positions for Michigan State and does it well, averaging 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He has a 7-foot-1 wingspan and can disrupt offenses all over the court.

The Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year is definitely not a 3-point shooter and is unlikely to ever become one, but he can make plays, averaging three assists per game and often initiating the Spartan offense.

He is particularly adept at blocking shots and then getting out on the break.

Tillman does not have blazing speed, but he makes up for it with brute strength and quick hands, which he uses to disrupt dribblers and get deflections.

Tillman would be a great energy/defense/rebounding guy off the Pelicans’ bench, which is something they desperately need.

He is also a guy who is ready to play now, he may not have the highest ceiling but he will be a contributor in the NBA.

He should be available when the Pelicans choose early in the second round, and if he is, the Pelicans should give him a hard look.

Could Tillman be the next great defender to come out of Michigan State?