BOSTON — Jordan Walsh is no longer a rookie but he entered training camp a little behind the pack at the end of the Celtics bench. The 20-year-old struggled during summer league in Las Vegas on the offensive end and there were questions about just how soon he would be able to contribute at the NBA level.
Walsh has come a long way in quieting those concerns with his play over the last two weeks and currently finds himself in a prime spot to beat out the likes of Jaden Springer and Baylor Scheierman for minutes off Boston’s bench. The wing’s strong preseason continued on Sunday night in the Celtics’ 115-111 win over the Raptors. Walsh posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds over 30 minutes as he got the start with the regulars getting the night off. He spoke about that opportunity after the win.
“To come in and kind of fill the minutes and fill that space that the starters left,” Walsh said. “Especially with those guys not playing, we needed somebody to step up. I feel like that was everybody’s responsibility who was there tonight, and I feel like that’s the approach that we all took into the game.”
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
Boston’s reserves built up a 32-point lead at halftime largely behind their defense and Walsh has been a bright spot on that front all preseason long. His versatility has been on display on the perimeter and he’s also provided a boost on the glass. That effort has stuck out to Mazzulla amid Boston’s 4-0 preseason start.
“Just having an understanding of what his job is: defend at a high level, defend multiple positions, rebound, and then make reads on the offensive end,” Mazzulla said. “He’s doing a great job. Just really proud of his growth. His player development team, the work they put in with him, he works hard at it, but starting to carve out a role and just a really good attitude towards it. So it’s been fun to watch him grow.”
Walsh’s offense has always been behind his defense but he’s quickly looked competent in that area after a miserable summer. Walsh has knocked down 37.5 percent of his 3s during the exhibition season and has also showcased a nice touch around the basket. He’s been able to drive closeouts well and finish through contact, making him the type of supporting piece that could work with the second unit when Boston is down bodies.
Just how much of a chance Walsh will get once there real games begin remains to be seen but he’s doing enough of both ends now to give Joe Mazzulla another option. That’s encouraging news for one of the deepest teams in the NBA.
“it feels good to have a year under my belt,” Walsh said. “I kind of know what to expect now with the season, with the team. I know how to play with the team. So I feel like that’s the biggest part going into this next year.”
