Jordan Walsh seemed to finally come into his own with the Boston Celtics in 2025-26. His efficiency skyrocketed and his minutes followed suit, as he played 10.0 more minutes per contest than he did during the 2024-25 campaign. Unfortunately, the playoffs weren't quit as rewarding, as he averaged 1.7 points in 12.7 minutes on .211/.167/.333 shooting.
Walsh appeared to be approaching the status of a true impact player in 2025-26, however, and after the Celtics made significant roster changes this summer, they'll need him to do so in 2026-27.
Walsh's emergence in 2025-26 proved invaluable, as he became a high-level defender whose versatility and shooting permitted Joe Mazzulla to take chances with his rotation. After the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadephia 76ers and signed Mitchell Robinson, that type of versatility will be even more important to possess. Thankfully, Walsh knows what he needs to do.
During an interview at Summer League, Walsh stated that his primary goal is to turn the situations from which the Celtics removed him in 2025-26 into those that they want him on the court for in 2026-27 (h/t John Karalis of Sports Illustrated).
“I'm trying to change my identity offensively,” he said while taking in a summer league game in Las Vegas. “I'm trying to become a better, way better offensive player. I'm trying to fit in situations that I didn't fit in last year. I'm trying to be the answer to the situations that they took me out of.”
Walsh continued:
“When those moments come, I want to always be the best option. I want to be the best choice,” he said. “[That means] working on my shot, working on my handle, working on creating my own shot when I have those pockets.”
Walsh's success or failure in doing so could go a long way toward informing the upside or limitations of the Celtics' rotation at large in 2026-27.
Celtics need Jordan Walsh to scale his impact to a bigger role
Walsh did a lot well in 2025-26. According to Basketball Index, he ranked in the 96th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, the 83rd percentile in rim disruption, and the 98th percentile in defensive positional versatility. He also ranked in the 78th percentile in offensive rebounds per 75 possessions.
In terms of the box score, Walsh recorded averages that translated to 10.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 offensive boards, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.4 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Furthermore, Walsh experienced a downright improbable increase in efficiency in virtually every phase of the game. He shot at a clip of just .361/.273/.583 as a second-year player in 2024-25, but converted shots at .509/.384/.772 in 2025-26.
That ultimately resulted in Walsh increasing his playing time from 7.8 minutes per game in 2024-25 to 17.8 minutes per contest in 2025-26.
Jordan Walsh does a little of everything—but he still has flaws
The question facing Walsh is simple: Can he scale his impact by addressing his flaws? For instance, in 2025-26, he ranked in the 32nd percentile in screener mobile defense and the 38th percentile in screener rim defense, per Basketball Index. He also finished in the 49th percentile in ball screen navigation.
If the Celtics are going to give Walsh more minutes, it'll start with not allowing screens to trip him up defensively—particularly when there's an endless flow of them waiting for him against almost all top-tier opponents.
Offensively, Walsh seems to know what he needs to do. His quote falls right in line with the fact that he ranked in the 27th percentile in one on one shot making. In saying that, he was also in the 34th percentile in off-ball movement.
As such, Walsh addressing his weaknesses isn't just about what he does when the ball is in his hands. He must also become more active and decisive when it isn't.
Jordan Walsh can simplify defense for veterans, enhance Celtics' system
If he makes these changes, then the primary value that Walsh can offer to the Celtics is simplifying the defensive game for Paul George and Jayson Tatum. Both George and Tatum have dealt with injuries in recent years, and having a player like Walsh who can defend multiple positions could help them preserve their energy for the significant burdens they carry on offense.
Additionally, Walsh's efficient shooting being scaled to a higher-volume role would enable Joe Mazzulla to unleash the flurry of threes he has long proven inclined to attempt.
The question is going to be a matter of whether or not Walsh can improve against screens, and develop his handle to the point of being able to attack closeouts. If he can, then the Celtics will have one of their best defenders on the court more often, and will be able to provide ample spacing to Robinson and Neemias Queta's interior efforts.
It may seem simple enough, but Walsh tapping into his potential would give the Celtics significant momentum toward becoming the best version of the team they can be.
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