NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Watch: Xavier Tillman Sr.

Fit with the Bucks

When it comes to examining how Tillman could potentially fit within the structure of the Bucks’ system under head coach Mike Budenholzer, there’s a mixed draw to take from.

Of course, Tillman’s slow development in forming a workable jumpshot, especially from distance, does limit how much function he’ll have as a floor spacer in the Bucks’ five-out system, even as Budenholzer and his staff have looked to add more variety in their offense this season.

On the other hand, that’s overlooking any potential progress being made and there is a foundation there for Tillman to become a passable, albeit low-volume, shooter in time if things break right for him in that regard. And his secondary playmaking will be a useful asset in keeping up the ball movement and rotating opposing defenses to find the open man around the arc.

Beyond that, Tillman’s defensive prowess is incredibly alluring and whatever size and athletic limitations he will have to combat at the next level, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and anticipation to make an impact on that side of the ball. But can he play to the caliber of being a high-level rim disruptor, the kind the Bucks ask their big men to be in their drop-back defensive scheme?

Given the current projections, Tillman will very likely be available for selection when the Bucks are on the clock with the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft. His wide-ranging skill set makes him an interesting, high floor-type prospect that some NBA team will be happy with selecting either late in the first round or early in the second round.

Tillman definitely checks many of the boxes that the Bucks have valued historically through the draft under general manager Jon Horst’s tenure. But Milwaukee might not be the ideal landing spot for where Tillman’s skill set could be best realized at the next level, especially if they desire some more upside than what Tillman has to offer.