NBA Notebook: Celtics reportedly agree to terms with another member of the championship team, former Celtics guard retires
The Celtics have made a lot of noise this week and have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with Xavier Tillman Sr., according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Tillman’s new deal comes on the heels of the Celtics bringing back Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta, along with handing out massive extensions to Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
Boston acquired Tillman at the trade deadline this past season from the Memphis Grizzlies for Lamar Stevens and two future second-round picks. Bringing back the big man allows some protection and depth while big man Kristaps Porzingis recovers from offseason ankle surgery.
The 6-foot-8, 245-pound Tillma played in 20 regular-season games for the Celtics, albeit in a limited role. He totaled four points and 2.7 rebounds per game while adding a solid defense for head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, JD Davison, and Drew Peterson (restricted) are the only remaining Celtics free agents.
Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker retires
Former Celtics guard Kemba Walker officially announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday, officially ending a 12-year career.
The 34-year-old was selected No. 9 overall by the then-Charlotte Bobcats during the 2011 draft, fresh off a NCAA title with the UConn Huskies.
“Just because of a small ball like, (it) really excelled me in life. Unbelievable,” Walker said on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast.
Walker added, “I’m done playing. It was a hell of a run. It was a run that I still can’t fathom today. I still can’t believe the things I’ve done in my basketball career, especially with all the doubt that I got coming in.”
Walker landed with the Celtics in the summer of 2019, following their breakup with Kyrie Irving. He was quickly signed to a four-year, $141 million deal to become the Celtics starting point guard. After two seasons in Boston, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021. He would also play for the Knicks and Mavericks.
“It’s like a dream still, bro. It’s like a dream. It’s like a dream,” Walker explained. “I can’t even believe it, bro. Being in the Bronx, next thing you know, I’m in Charlotte. I live in Charlotte now. It’s crazy. Dream.”
Charlotte’s all-time leading scorer with 12,009 points, surpassing previous leader Dell Curry (9,839 points).
