Celtics forward taking leap that could completely alter the team's future

Boston Celtics fans are witnessing an evolution occurring in real time. Jordan Walsh, who entered this season fighting for his future with the franchise and perhaps his NBA career, is having a glow-up.

That includes the third-year wing scoring a new career-high in two of the team's last three games. Walsh registered 14 points in Boston's 117-115 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Two tilts later, he put 22 on the board against the Washington Wizards. He went eight for eight from the field in the Celtics' 146-101 demolition in the nation's capital.

Walsh is the ninth player in franchise history to score at least 20 points without missing a shot, and the first to do so since Robert Williams in 2021, per Justin Turpin of WEEI. He's also the first Celtic to do so while attempting a shot from behind the arc.

Jordan Walsh's evolution goes beyond his scoring

Even if focusing on his point production, what the 21-year-old wing is showcasing is a significant sign of his maturation. Walsh is an improved shooter, ensuring he doesn't have "lazy feet," instead utilizing "quicker feet into the jump shot," as he told Hardwood Houdini at training camp.

Beyond that, he's demonstrating a commendable feel operating in the dunker spot. The former Arkansas Razorback is comfortable attacking off the dribble when teams run him off the three-point line. And he's always a threat in transition.

Plus, against a suspect defense, such as the one the Wizards employ, it becomes that much easier for him to get downhill and display his improvement finishing around the rim.

"I think confidence is a big part of it, and getting reps," Walsh said about the root of his growth at finishing around the basket, via Celtics Postgame Live on NBC Sports Boston. "You do so much with coaches in practice, and so much in workouts, but it's different when you're in a game, going full speed downhill against a guy. Then, it's like, 'Alright, how are you actually gonna perform in this scenario. I think being able to be in that scenario over and over again, now I think, is what made the biggest leap."

The Texas native is also demonstrating an increased feel as a playmaker. That was apparent in the Celtics' victory vs. the New York Knicks. That night on the parquet, as an outlet for Jaylen Brown at the nail or down the seam, he found the open shooter, or manipulated the defender zoning two, leading to a clean look for a teammate.

Against the Wizards, he registered three assists. Walsh smoothly attacked off the catch, engaging multiple defenders before finding an open teammate.

The former Razorback is pairing his offensive evolution with the ability to resemble more closely the defensive menace he was in college. Walsh is stifling an impressive list ranging from Karl-Anthony Towns to Tyrese Maxey, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jaren Jackson Jr., and James Harden.

It's a testament to his defensive versatility. And as he fills the void of a defensive stopper, the energy required to do so isn't slowing his maturation offensively. Instead, Walsh is continuing his ascent as he proves to the Celtics he can be a meaningful part of their return to championship contention.