Jordan Walsh was a part of the first substitution the Boston Celtics made in their preseason opener. He immediately brought an infusion of energy to their tilt against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Among Walsh's standout plays was rotating off forward Santi Aldama in the corner to force a miss at the rim from PJ Hall. He also had a dunk, three rebounds, and an assist in his eight minutes on the floor.
Unfortunately, the now third-year wing is dealing with left adductor tightness. Per the Celtics, he is doubtful to return in the second half.
Jordan Walsh's fight for playing time
During training camp, the former Arkansas Razorback told Hardwood Houdini that the two areas he improved the most this offseason were shooting and elevating his role-player IQ.
Both are crucial to his earning more minutes in the upcoming campaign. Understanding what the coaching staff wants from him, what making the right play looks like for him, and consistently executing that at a high level is his best path to earning a regular role this season.
If within that, he proves he's a reliable shooter from behind the arc, he becomes that much more impactful and trustworthy. To help with that process, he told Hardwood Houdini that a point of emphasis he's stressing is "not having lazy feet. It's kind of like quicker feet into the jump shot."
At the other end of the floor, the six-foot-six wing has the tools to become a disruptive defender. That includes quick feet and a seven-foot-two wingspan.
As he applies those traits, Derrick White declared Walsh and Josh Minott as two of the team's defensive standouts at training camp.
"Josh and Jordan, I think, have done a really good job of making their presence felt defensively," said White after a recent practice.
Walsh not being able to build on what he's showing at training camp, and an encouraging start to Boston's first preseason game, is unfortunate. However, the good news is the Celtics take the floor again on Friday. They will travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors.
Even if this injury prevents him from suiting up that night, Boston will host its first exhibition contest two days later vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. After that, he'll only have one more opportunity to get preseason reps before the 2025-26 campaign tips off. That will come on Wednesday against the Raptors.