The Boston Celtics should start Jordan Walsh in Tuesday night's tilt against the Philadelphia 76ers. It makes the most sense to have him guarding Tyrese Maxey at the beginning of the game.
It's fine if that responsibility goes to Derrick White. His screen navigation and ability to stay attached to the Sixers' star guard are exceptional. He consistently keeps himself in a position to challenge Maxey's shots.
However, Walsh has the length and foot speed to handle this assignment. When these two rivals squared off in the City of Brotherly Love around this time last year, he held the season's fifth-leading scorer to 1/9 shooting as his primary defender.
In the fourth quarter, the two-time All-Star went 1/4 while Walsh defended him. Maxey went 1/3 in crunch time. That's defined as the final five minutes of a game that's within five points.
Jordan Walsh should get the Tyrese Maxey challenge
The three-year veteran is built for it. It's both a reward and an effective way to help keep him engaged. It's comparable to what Joe Mazzulla did in Sunday night's 117-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Boston's bench boss started Mike Conley in that contest. He capitalized on an opportunity to reward a respected veteran who is serving as a player, mentor, and almost like another member of the coaching staff.
Tuesday, there's no better option than to start Walsh on Maxey. The former Arkansas Razorback has been in the first unit for six of the Celtics' first 10 tilts. That includes the previous one before Sunday's victory in Milwaukee. That matchup, a win against the Charlotte Hornets, was in an NBA Cup contest.
To have the six-foot-six wing in the starting lineup 60 percent of the time to open the year, then bring him off the bench against the Sixers and the speedy guard who has grabbed the reins as their franchise player would be peculiar.
Who should the Celtics start if Jordan Walsh doesn't?
Hugo Gonzalez is another intriguing option. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to excel in this role.
As a result of how crowded Boston's depth chart is at the wing position, the second-year standout from Real Madrid has gotten off to a quiet start this season. Perhaps giving him this job would jump-start his 2026-27 campaign.
Whether it's Walsh or Gonzalez, it's wise not to put this strain on Derrick White. They don't have to work to avoid him guarding Maxey. However, the Celtics should be selective about how much he is shouldering that burden without the 76ers forcing a switch.
If that's the matchup the visitors are most comfortable with, and they prefer to start and close with White on Maxey, that's a sound approach. However, between pacing White and empowering a young wing, it might be best for Walsh—or Gonzalez—to get this opportunity.
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