The Boston Celtics drafted Jordan Walsh with the 38th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s spent the past two seasons with the Maine Celtics in the G League. However, he’s earning a bigger role for himself during the current campaign and has been part of Joe Mazzulla’s starting lineup for the past three games. Walsh is viewed as a high-level defensive prospect. He boasts an enormous wingspan, great athleticism and moves well on the court. The third-year forward can guard multiple positions and is clearly working on his perimeter jumper, a prerequisite for playing under Joe Mazzulla. During one of Jaylen Brown’s recent Twitch live streams, the All-Star forward, who was joined by Walsh, spent some time showing Walsh highlights of Marcus Smart’s defensive plays during his time with the franchise. “Diving for loose balls,” Brown told Walsh. “You hit the deck. Look at Marcus. You’re not diving on the floor like that, dude. That’s what we need… This Defensive Player of the Year right here. One of the only guards in modern history…This is some of the energy. I just wanted to show you a little.” Brown was clearly using the short film sessions as a learning tool for Walsh. The young forward has begun to take on a larger role within Mazzulla’s defensive system, as illustrated by his matchup with James Harden during the Celtics’ 118–121 win over the LA Clippers on Nov. 16. Story continues below advertisement Walsh isn’t the only forward fighting for minutes this season. Josh Minott held the starting spot for nine games before losing his place to Walsh. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez is also showcasing his defensive upside and intangibles when given the opportunity to play. The Celtics are in a retooling season. Having three young and high-upside forwards battling for minutes is exactly what the team needs. They will force each other to be better, and that will provide much-needed cost-controlled depth when Jayson Tatum returns from his Achilles tendon injury and reclaims his spot in the starting five. Story continues below advertisement