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Jordan Walsh is already showing he was born to play for the Celtics

By Caden Charpentier

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics drives against Cole Swider #20 of the LA Lakers in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Celtics defeat the Lakers 95-90. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics drives against Cole Swider #20 of the LA Lakers in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Celtics defeat the Lakers 95-90. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images) /
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It has only been three games into the NBA 2K24 Vegas Summer League, and Jordan Walsh is already a fan favorite. Considering the roster that the Celtics have in place right now, Walsh has the ability to continue to fight for a role.

His energy is contagious. No matter the competition or the circumstances, Boston’s No. 27 plays as if it is the most meaningful game of his life. Walsh is a fighter, and considering the loss that this organization suffered this offseason, he is the exact type of guy they need. Even in a gym with plenty of empty seats, Walsh still lets out his emotions with a roar.

After going 4-of-16 from the field as the summer Celts lost their second successive contest, the former Arkansas wing ignited his club back to life on Wednesday night. With the help of Los Angeles Lakers’ first round selection Jalen Hood-Schifino along with D’Moi Hodge, Boston’s opponent led by as many as 14 late in the second quarter. Walsh would go on to score 17 points second half points and grab five rebounds to led Boston to a come from behind win.

Not only did he show off his shot-making ability from the perimeter once again, but his defensive footwork and confidence driving to the basket were on full display. Sure, his offensive game is not completely polished, but his head stayed in it after some shockingly bad misses.

He has adapted quickly, learning that in order to succeed in this league, one must have a short-term memory. He was 4-12 in the first half, including 0-3 from the great beyond. Within the first minute of the second half, Walsh hoisted up another three. Though he missed, his persistence paid off.

Immediately when the offense passes the timeline, Walsh is already making life difficult. The Dallas native pressures the offensive player into making a mistake. The third quarter is a perfect example of that. Hood-Schifino, who shot nearly 60% from the floor in the first half was trying to set up an offense for the Lakers as Boston was making a run. Walsh picked him up right as he crossed over halfcourt and created a turnover out of nothing as Hood-Schifino used his elbow to push his fellow rookie out of his air space. Similar to a fly, no matter how hard you try to push them away, they always seem to find their way back to annoy you.

Jordan Walsh has all the makings of a rotational player in his first season

Joe Mazzulla needs wing depth now that Grant Williams is off to the Lone Star State. Excluding the rookie, Sam Hauser, and now Oshae Brissett make up the perimeter wings that will backup Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the rotation. His play so far this summer should earn him some time early in the regular season. Hauser will more than likely earn the most time off the bench of the three listed above.

The rookie knows that he is going to have to work for whatever he is given. You have to go all the way back to 2017 when Boston selected Semi Ojeleye to see a second round pick become a consistent rotational piece during his rookie campaign. The last four second-rounders that came to the green and white played in only 23 games combined in their first year since being drafted. Walsh seems like that Ojeleye-type. Both have great size, but lack that consistent shooting that has the potential over time to develop.

During his debut in Vegas, the SMU product stood out, averaging 12.4 points on over 42% shooting from the floor. In his first season in Boston, Ojeleye competed in 73 games, not starting in a single one while contributing 15.8 minutes per contest. 73 contests may seem a bit high, but if he stays healthy, it could turn into the rookie’s work load. There will be eps and flows, like any first-year player. Brad Stevens was a massive fan of Ojeleye, and if Mazzulla values defense, he will become proponent of Walsh.

No matter the role, Walsh understands the goal of this franchise. He wants to do all he can to impact winning. If that means being the best practice player on the team, that is what he will do. He is not in Boston to replace Williams, Walsh has that mindset where he aims on being the best version of himself day in and day out . Simply put, he seems like a player that was born to play for the Celtics.

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