BOSTON — Jordan Walsh started the season barely able to get off the Celtics bench. He played in just four total minutes across three games in October. The C’s tinkered with their lineups and rotations early on, but Walsh just didn’t get off the bench much.
But the third-year wing has blossomed over the past few weeks, starting the last nine games. His crunch-time play popped off in the Celtics’ win over the Knicks on Tuesday at TD Garden. Walsh was seemingly everywhere making a play to fend off New York’s comeback attempt. He’s credited Jaylen Brown for some of his development, and the C’s star praised the young wing.
“I’m starting to see Jordan playing like a grown man,” Brown said. “And it’s amazing to see. Just from him coming out of his shell. Being aggressive. He’s learning every day. So I’m loving it.”
C’s coach Joe Mazzulla turned to Walsh midway through the fourth quarter to help close the game. Walsh did it all from the moment he checked back into the game. On back-to-back C’s possessions, he scrapped for an offensive rebound and put-back bucket. Then he got a steal on the Knicks. Then he got another offensive rebound off a Derrick White missed 3-pointer.
On the more subtle side, Mazzulla said there was an “evolution” aspect for both Walsh and Josh Minott. The Knicks started doubling the red-hot Brown, who was on his way to a season-high 42 points. So when Brown passed out of the double team to a wide-open Walsh, he made the right read that led to open 3s for Minott.
“It was more just a read,” Walsh said. “Usually JB’s the guy in the middle and making the play through the seam. It ended up being me and Josh a lot tonight. I ended up finding him, he hit a 3. I found him again and he didn’t make it. But we got good possessions out of it. I think it was just the flow of the game, making the right read, being aggressive.”
Walsh’s improvements have been evident in real-time. He’s earning his first real taste of a rotation spot and making the most of it every night. Walsh’s abilities defensively have been eye-opening. His length, physicality and instincts have caused issues for stars across the league.
There’s still a long way to go for the 21-year-old, but the early returns have impressed. He figures to be part of the Celtics’ future even beyond this season. The smaller things, like making the right reads, is also crucial for when Jayson Tatum is back on the court at full strength. Being able to play complementary basketball with the Celtics stars — like he did with Brown — should go a long way.
“I’m way more calm, way more focused and obviously has slowed down a lot since my rookie year,” Walsh said. “I was a mess rookie year. I was just running around.”