BOSTON — Jordan Walsh, the Celtics’ youngest player, admits he used to get butterflies whenever his name was called. Playing time was rare last season as a rookie as Walsh spent most of the season in the G League. But those slivers of nervousness aren’t there anymore when he’s about to check into a game.
So when C’s coach Joe Mazzulla called on Walsh for their game against the Pacers, the forward was ready. The Celtics were down two starters Friday, so there were going to be extra minutes for the bench. Still, Walsh isn’t guaranteed playing time in the rotation, but like the rest of his teammates, it’s about staying ready.
“I could go six, seven games DNPs, not playing, and then you’re thrown into a game like this expected to succeed and expected to excel in your role,” Walsh said. “So it can be tough at times, but always keep the mentality of even when you catch three, four DNPs, that fifth game going in with the mentality of, ‘Oh, I’m going in at the three-minute mark, four-minute mark, whatever it is.”
Walsh made the most of his rare playing time Friday, finishing with 19 minutes. He got extra run in the fourth quarter of the Celtics’ blowout win over the Pacers as both teams emptied their bench. But it was Walsh’s play with the regular rotation that turned heads. He finished with nine points and five rebounds, playing with energy and confidence as he also knocked in two 3-pointers.
Life’s different for Walsh in his second pro season where he’s spent most of the season with the big club. Last year, as a rookie, Walsh got plenty of reps playing in the G League where he developed his game. But the 20-year-old turned some heads in training camp as he rose up the depth chart.
Earlier this season, Walsh got some run as part of the rotation. But those chances aren’t guaranteed as consistent playing time became scarce. Mazzulla pointed out Walsh’s physical defense goes unnoticed oftentimes, where he’s improving the small areas of the game. Those subtle details don’t show up as that growth process is important for a young player like Walsh. So minutes like Friday are a great chance to show off what he’s improved behind the scenes during practices.
“It’s just like every day, getting reps and playing defense” Walsh said. “Picking up guys like Payton (Pritchard) full-court in practice. Just working and him giving me advice and things like that in practice. To adjust to the speed is a big part. But also like playing against (Xavier Tillman), one-on-one, and banging with them. They’re bigger than me, so it’s like I gotta find a way to get stops.”
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