Kings select Tillman with No. 35 pick, trade him to Grizzlies

With the No. 35 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman Sr.

His draft rights were later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a 2022 second-round pick and the draft rights to Mississippi State forward Robert Woodard, the Kings announced Thursday.

Tillman was a force on both ends during his junior season with the Spartans, averaging 13.7 points on 55% shooting along with 10.3 rebounds. The 21-year-old chipped in on the defensive end with 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest en route to Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Bio

Position: C/PF
School: Michigan State
College experience: Junior
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 245 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Max vertical: 32.5 inches

Strengths

• Stellar rebounder thanks to his strong frame
• High basketball IQ helps him make strong decisions out of the post
• Impressive shot-blocker
• Elite passing vision for a big man

Weaknesses

• Lacks height and athleticism of a typical NBA big man
• Doesn't attempt many free throws (averaged four per game last season)
• A below-average shooter from outside the paint