Celtics Assign Jordan Walsh to Maine

Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh received high praise after his last stint with the parent club, which included his first chance for legitimate rotation minutes.

Jordan Walsh has made maximizing his time with the parent club a habit.

In Marcus Smart's return to TD Garden, the 38th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft earned his first career points, slamming them home in style on a two-handed jam during the Celtics' 131-91 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

His latest stint in Boston included his first chance at legitimate rotation minutes, which, understandably, came with nervous energy. But the 19-year-old wing registered a rejection, a steal, and five rebounds, was active defensively, and set effective screens, including one paving the way for Derrick White to knock down an open pull-up jump shot. 

Jordan Walsh Blocks Mikal Bridges

Afterward, Walsh received high praise from Joe Mazzulla and his teammates.

He also gains invaluable practice reps when he's there, honing his craft while challenging himself and getting one-on-one reps against the likes of Jaylen Brown.

After earning his 100th win as an NBA bench boss, Mazzulla shared, "Since Christmas, he came on the West Coast trip with us, we made a conscientious effort to have an understanding defense is how you make it in this league as a young player and what you do in the G League from a statistical standpoint is important, but it's more important about your daily approach, your professionalism, and your defense."

The six-foot-seven forward is light on his feet and has a seven-foot-three wingspan, a combination that, paired with his high motor, gives him the ability to wreak havoc on defense.

He deserves credit for not turning the dial down defensively when he's with the Celtics' G League affiliate in Maine and for sticking to the role he'll have in the NBA rather than trying to take over as an isolation scorer.

Instead, the former Arkansas Razorback can consistently be seen sprinting to the corners and often operates off of the ball.

And while Boston resumes regular season play against the Chicago Bulls in the Windy City, where Xavier Tillman is poised to make his team debut, the Celtics have assigned Walsh to Maine, where he can continue getting game reps that would likely only become available with the parent club if they emptied the bench at the end of a matchup.

But since the C's have a six-game edge on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the second seed in the Eastern Conference, as they pace themselves in this final stretch before the playoffs, Walsh is primed to get more NBA opportunities before his rookie campaign concludes.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Praises All-Star Snub: 'Excelling His Game at a Rapid Pace'

Jayson Tatum Addresses Discourse Around His MVP Candidacy

Jaylen Brown Doesn't Win Dunk Contest but Delivers Most Poignant Moment

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'