The Celtics have plenty of questions when it comes to their roster going into training camp. Not only did they shed payroll and multiple rotation players, but their best player will be sidelined as Jayson Tatum continues to rehab his Achilles injury.
But for some young guys, they have the best opportunity in their career to make an impact. That includes Jordan Walsh, who’s no longer the bright-eyed rookie learning how to be a professional. Walsh, 21, enters his third NBA season with an eye on consistent minutes. Walsh spoke about his mindset going into camp with Chris Forsberg on a recent appearance on the “Celtics Talk” podcast.
“If JT is out, then it would definitely create a big space for people to come in and fill those minutes,” Walsh said. “Obviously, I’m going to do my best to fill those minutes until he comes back. But I think the focus is definitely still, if I do get those minutes, is it producing in those minutes and how do I do that and not hurt the team.
“But push them in a positive way, so I earn more and more and more going into next year, even when he does come back. Like how do I earn it to still play when he does come back? So that’s kind of where my head space is right now.”
Walsh is one of a few names who could emerge to soak up wing minutes for the Celtics next season. Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser are already slotted to be important contributors. Walsh (38th overall, 2023) joins recent Celtics draft picks Baylor Scheierman (30th, 2024) and Hugo Gonzalez (28th, 2025) as names to watch, along with free-agent signee Josh Minott.
Realistically, Gonzalez likely won’t be expected to contribute much considering he’s just 19 and entering his rookie season. But it’s an important season for the other three. Minott, 22, enters his fourth season and didn’t get much playing time in his three seasons in Minnesota. Minott has flashed some solid traits, but at some point, he’ll need to prove he’s an NBA quality player.
Walsh and Scheierman are a pair of players who also had their moments last season. Walsh got some early rotation minutes in small doses but wasn’t able to do much with the opportunity. Scheierman started his pro career slow, but he had some nice moments at the end of the regular season. He had a tough Summer League showing in a shooting slump, but showcased other parts of his game. Both Scheierman and Walsh get the benefit of being in the Celtics organization in the past.
The Celtics won’t be expected to make much noise next season as being without Tatum is a significant blow. But as Walsh works on his game at the facility throughout the summer, he’s also seen a lot of Tatum, who’s been hard at work behind the scenes rehabbing his injury.
“The energy in the gym changes when he walks through,” Walsh said. “He’s not the most vocal guy. He’s more of a silent leader. Him and JB are more silent leaders. So when they step in the gym, you can feel the energy shift. You can feel the attention going to him. Obviously, we’ve seen him so often. ... He’s moving around way better. He’s progressing well.”
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