Xavier Justis Tillman Sr., born on January 12, 1999, is making waves as a critical player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. However, his journey to the NBA was paved with noteworthy achievements and challenges, starting from his early life.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Xavier Justis Tillman Sr.
Birth Date	January 12, 1999
Birth Place	Grand Rapids, Michigan
Age	24
Known As	Xavier Tillman
Religion	Not specified
Nationality	American
Education	Michigan State University
Horoscope	Not specified
Father’s Name	Roosevelt Tillman
Mother’s Name	Tanya Powell-May
Siblings	Three older brothers (R.J., Ben, Parker), one younger sister (Madisyn)
Height	6 feet 7 inches
Weight	245 pounds
Build	Not specified
Shoe Size	Not specified
Hair Color	Not specified
Eye Color	Not specified
League	NBA
Active Years	Not specified
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	Tamia Tillman
Children	Two (Ayanna and Xavier Jr.)
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
Position	Power Forward/Center
Currently Playing for	Memphis Grizzlies
Net Worth	$5 million
Salary	Not specified
NBA Draft	2020 (Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies)
Social Media	Instagram

Xavier Tillman Early Life

In his formative years, Tillman showcased his athletic prowess by engaging in various sports like baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. His preference for the latter two became evident early on, and his height of 6 ft 5 at 14 set the stage for a promising basketball career. Playing for the Grand Rapids Storm in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, he honed his skills and caught the attention of scouts.

Xavier Tillman High School Career

Tillman’s high school career at Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was marked by impressive stats and accolades. He earned recognition in the Associated Press Class A All-State special mention honors by averaging double figures in points, rebounds, and blocks. 

 

His transfer to Grand Rapids Christian High School stirred controversy but did not hinder his success. A finalist for the Mr. Basketball of Michigan award, Tillman led his team to a Class A state championship game appearance.

College Career

Choosing Michigan State over Marquette and Purdue, Tillman debuted for the Spartans in 2017. Over his college years, he showcased significant improvement, receiving accolades such as Most Improved Player and Big Ten Conference Sixth Player of the Year. His defensive prowess was evident in matchups against top players like Zion Williamson. Tillman’s decision to enter the 2020 NBA draft marked the end of a successful college career.

Professional Career

Drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA draft, Tillman found his home with the Memphis Grizzlies after a draft-night trade. In his rookie season, he included standout performances, notably a double-overtime game where he recorded career highs of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Tillman’s contributions played a crucial role in the Grizzlies’ qualification for the postseason after a four-year absence.

The subsequent seasons saw Tillman continuing to make an impact, both in regular-season games and playoffs. Noteworthy performances against teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors showcased his versatility and skill set. The Grizzlies’ journey through the playoffs had highs and lows, ultimately facing elimination in the second round against the Golden State Warriors.

As of April 20, 2023, Tillman remains a crucial player for the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing significantly in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers. His 22-point performance, 13 rebounds, and error-free play underscored his importance in the team’s pursuit of victory.

Height and Weight

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 245 pounds, Tillman’s physical attributes contribute to his commanding presence on the court. His dedication to maintaining the correct body composition through a balanced diet and rigorous training further underscores his commitment to peak athletic performance.

Family, Wife, and Kids

Xavier Tillman’s life transcends the basketball court, deeply rooted in a family legacy of athleticism and resilience. Born to Roosevelt Tillman and Tanya Powell-May, his mother’s basketball prowess at Michigan set the stage for his journey. Despite his parents’ 2010 divorce, they maintained shared custody over Xavier, fostering a supportive environment. The Tillman family includes three older brothers—R.J., Ben, and Parker—and a younger sister, Madisyn. 

Fatherhood became a profound chapter for Xavier in 2016, with the birth of his daughter, Ayanna, followed by the arrival of his son, Xavier Jr., in 2020. Coach Tom Izzo acknowledged the transformative influence of family, attributing Tillman’s basketball growth to his daughter, highlighting the enduring impact of familial bonds on personal and professional success.

Contracts and Salary of Xavier Tillman

Tillman’s net worth is primarily derived from his lucrative NBA contracts. In December 2020, he inked a rookie contract with the Memphis Grizzlies worth $4,600,602 over three years. For the 2022-23 season, he earned $1,782,621, boasting an average annual salary of $1,533,534. The contract includes a team option for an additional season, potentially making him $1,930,681 if exercised.

Given Tillman’s stellar performances, the Grizzlies will likely retain him for the 2023-24 season. However, the looming status of Unrestricted Free Agent in 2024 allows Tillman to explore options with any team.

Endorsements and Partnerships

Beyond his NBA contracts, Tillman has secured endorsements, notably with luxury automobile company INFINITI USA. While details of other potential partnerships, especially in the sportswear domain, remain undisclosed, Tillman’s association with Nike, particularly favoring the Zoom Freak series, hints at potential growth in his endorsement portfolio.

FAQ’s

Who is Xavier Tillman, and what is his basketball career like?

Xavier Tillman is a professional basketball player excelling with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His standout performances in college, particularly at Michigan State, led to his selection by the Grizzlies in the 2020 NBA draft.

How did Xavier Tillman perform in his rookie year with the Memphis Grizzlies?

Tillman had a solid rookie year, averaging 6.6 points, 4.3 rebs, and 1.9 assists per game. He showcased his defensive prowess, contributing to the team’s overall success.

What is Xavier Tillman’s playing style?

Known for his strong defensive abilities, Tillman is a versatile player capable of guarding multiple positions. His offensive skills, including passing and post-game, complement his robust defensive game.

Who is  Tamia Todd Tillman?

Memphis Grizzlies’ powerhouse, Xavier Tillman, dominates the NBA court and triumphs in his love life. Married to Tamia Todd Tillman, their journey from high school sweethearts to devoted parents is heartwarming.

Tamia Todd Tillman’s Early Life

Born and raised in Michigan, Tamia Todd Tillman attended Northview High School in Grand Rapids. She stood out as an exceptional high school athlete, particularly in lacrosse, and it was during her junior year, that she met Xavier Tillman. Their love story began early, and despite the challenges of early parenthood, they decided to build their careers while nurturing their relationship.

Early Parenthood and Engagement

High school sweethearts Xavier and Tamia welcomed their first child, Ayanna Yanni Tillman, while in high school. Despite this early start to parenthood, they remained committed to each other and their goals. 2017, the couple got engaged, marking another significant step in their journey. The engagement was a precursor to their wedding in 2019, where they officially started their life as a married couple.

Supportive Partners

Throughout Xavier Tillman’s college and professional basketball career, Tamia has been a pillar of support. Their family, which now includes three children, is often seen cheering courtside for Xavier during NBA games. In interviews, Xavier expresses deep appreciation for Tamia’s unwavering support, emphasizing her role as a wife and a devoted mother.

In an interview with Spartan Tailgate, Xavier expressed his gratitude, saying, “The amount of love that she [Tamia] shows me every day and the willingness to take care of Ayanna and to help around the house, and to go to work every day early in the morning is just unbelievable.”

Tamia’s Career and Aspirations

Despite her early start to motherhood, Tamia Todd Tillman has pursued her aspirations. A former high school lacrosse player, she aspires to pursue a career in teaching. She has also engaged in part-time babysitting while attending college, showcasing her dedication to her family and professional growth. In 2023, her estimated net worth is around $100,000.

Family Background

Tamia Todd was born to Mr. and Mrs. Todd on February 7, 1997. Growing up in Michigan, she attended Northview High School and later pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Michigan State. Despite the challenges of early parenthood, Tamia has proven to be an excellent mother, and her parents have been supportive throughout her journey.

Xavier Tillman’s wife, Tamia Todd Tillman, is not only his high school sweetheart but also a dedicated partner, mother, and aspiring educator. Their journey from high school sweethearts to a thriving family reflects their commitment to each other and their shared dreams.