BOSTON — On Sunday night, the Boston Celtics rolled out a group of bench players, G Leaguers, and training camp guys to play Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors—and they got a win. Toronto’s own Exhibit 10 guys made the game close in the fourth, but by then, most of the guys Boston started the game with were glued to the bench. But when he was in, Jordan Walsh took center stage.
The soon-to-be Celtics sophomore put up 16 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal while shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 1-of-4 from deep. Seeing this version of the 20-year-old after his Summer League struggles is a wild experience, as he looks like a completely different version of himself.
But technically, his rookie season isn’t over yet.
Joe Mazzulla made Jordan Walsh sing in front of the Celtics
After the game, Walsh spoke to the media. He revealed the worst rookie duty of his first NBA season, and it came at the hands of Joe Mazzulla.
“This wasn’t really a rookie duty, but they only made me do it because I was a rookie. So, they played a song by Boyz II Men in the film room, and I had to get up to dance in front of everybody and sing the song,” Walsh said.
“And I had never heard the song ever in my life. So, it was Joe embarrassing me in front of everybody. And so, yeah, I got up there and danced, and it was pretty embarrassing.”
And unfortunately for Walsh, he’s still not a vert quite yet. He’s still looking forward to earning that title once Opening Night hits.
“Well, it’s coming up the first game, I won’t be a rookie anymore,” Walsh said with a smile. “So, there will be no more rook talk. No, but it feels good to have that year under my belt. 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.”
He was then asked directly if the Celtics still treat him as a rookie even though his first NBA season has come and gone. Walsh begrudgingly admitted that is the case.
“Yeah, until we get our rings, I’m a rookie,” Walsh said, laughing. “Yeah, it is tough. I don’t agree with that.”
So, while Walsh may be making major strides on the court, he’s still enjoying (or enduring) the growing pains of being a rookie off the court.