There probably won’t be too many times when Boston Celtics forward Jordan Walsh can say that he’s better than three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in any NBA statistical category. In the early stages of the 2025-26 season amid a recent increase in playing time, however, Walsh can make that claim against the Denver Nuggets center. NBC Sports Boston Celtics insider Chris Forsberg noted on Friday that the 21-year-old currently ranks second in the NBA in net rating at +23.6, ahead of the likes of Jokic (+21.0) and Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (+22.6). The only player ahead of Walsh in net rating this season is Thunder guard Alex Caruso. “Essentially, Walsh is lingering among key members of a championship team that’s now on pace to challenge the 2016 Warriors’ 73-win season, as well as a three-time MVP. That’s solid company,” Forsberg wrote. “Entering November, Walsh had logged three DNPs and played fewer than six total minutes in his three appearances. Now he’s starting games and setting a tone for Boston with his willingness to defend the best offensive player on the opposing team regardless of what position they play.” Story continues below advertisement The Arkansas product had one of the best games of his brief NBA career during Boston’s 111-107 win against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, finishing with six points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a +13 plus/minus. Walsh went 2-for-3 across his 25 minutes, making both of his three-point attempts, including a huge shot from the corner with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Celtics a five-point cushion. “We don’t want to overreact to a five-game sample, but Walsh has clearly put together the best week of his NBA career and given hope that he can be a true contributor as these Celtics shape their next title-chasing team,” Forsberg wrote. Story continues below advertisement The former second-round draft is averaging career highs across the board this fall in nine games, notably in points (4.4), rebounds (4.0) and minutes per contest (15.4) while shooting a career-best .471 from the field and .438 from beyond the arc.