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Celtics Have High Praise for Jordan Walsh
In Marcus Smart's return to TD Garden, Jordan Walsh earned his first career points, slamming them home in style on a two-handed jam during the Celtics' 131-91 win vs. the Memphis Grizzlies.
But as a six-foot-seven forward who's light on his feet and has a seven-foot-three wingspan, what he brings to the table defensively, where he has the potential to wreak havoc, is his ticket to playing time in Boston.
After a 117-98 win over the San Antonio Spurs in late January, Joe Mazzulla conveyed, "He got Defensive Player of the Game in Maine, and that was the proudest I was of him because it's important when you go from college, and come to the NBA that sometimes you have to do things that you're not used to and asked to do things that you're uncomfortable doing, and you have to trust that."
The Celtics' bench boss continued, "You look at the box score and see that he only had five shot attempts but guarded the best player the entire game and had nine rebounds and six assists. For our organization, that's kind of what success and greatness looks like most of the time."
Walsh, making his NBA debut that night, grabbed four rebounds in 3:03, a feat that impressed Jaylen Brown.
"The rook has just been working, man," expressed the three-time All-Star after the win against Victor Wembanyama and Co. "Just getting better, developing. Obviously, (he's) been down in Maine, but you (have) been hearing good things. So, just seeing him get out there, and right away, show some signs of improvement, like just get out there and grab four rebounds, you can see he got some talent, and he's just working."
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When playing in the G League, the former Arkansas Razorback has done a commendable job of focusing on the role that he'll have with the parent club, sprinting to the corners and often operating off of the ball rather than wasting time trying to be a high-volume isolation scorer.
From players up and down the roster to Mazzulla and front office members, Walsh has received praise for his work ethic, discipline, defensive instincts, and ability to learn and quickly apply information. Those tools are invaluable to his development.
And while his first chance at legitimate rotation minutes, starting when he subbed in with 2:16 left in the first frame of Boston's 136-86 shellacking of the Brooklyn Nets in its last game before the All-Star break didn't go as smoothly as he hoped, including picking up a foul five seconds after checking in, he registered a rejection, a steal, 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.
The Dallas, Texas natives' teammates put far less stock in his exercising jitters in what was a first for him than the confidence from seeing his work ethic.
"Jordan, he's gonna be a really, really good player," expressed Payton Pritchard after generating 28 points on Wednesday, matching the second-highest scoring output of his career.
"Obviously [tonight] was like his first real NBA minutes, so he was probably a little nervous and energetic. But I see him every day working and stuff, and he's going to be a special player."
Kristaps Porzingis stated, "I think he would say it - he didn't have his best game. I know him. I've seen him in practice. I know he could have had a much better game. But you could see his potential defensively... And what I like most about him is that he's not afraid at all... And if he keeps having this kind of mindset, it's only a matter of time before he starts to get consistent success."
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Johnston, Rhode Island native added, "I think he's really, really grown in that area, and in the games I've watched and in the feedback from Maine and his approach here with us, his defense has drastically improved, and so, I think it was an opportunity to give the young guy a chance, especially in a game where you're looking for energy, you know it's gonna be a team win, and you're down a couple (of) guys, and so, I've really liked the way he's approached the defensive side of the ball."
For a franchise that's over the second apron, prepared to sign Jayson Tatum to a supermax extension this summer after doing the same with Jaylen Brown this past offseason, and could reach a lucrative agreement with Jrue Holiday as soon as early April, then extend Derrick White before his deal expires after the 2024-25 campaign, having a rotation player on a rookie contract is immensely valuable.
Seeing the work Walsh is putting in and his growth during his rookie season is creating nothing but confidence that the Celtics hit on the 38th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Further Reading
Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment
Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade
Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer
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'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
