Celtics’ Jordan Walsh Showcasing Resilience, Mental Fortitude
Boston Celtics third-year wing Jordan Walsh deserves some credit for his performance against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Walsh hasn’t been playing a ton this season (9.6 minutes per game, four DNPs), but he delivered against the Wiz when his name was called.
Walsh brought energy off the bench against Washington and finished with an efficient stat line of seven points (3-4 FG), seven rebounds, two steals and a +27 plus/minus rating in 24 minutes.
It’s tough for guys like Walsh to stay ready on a nightly basis in the NBA. Some nights you aren’t going to play at all, which presents the temptation to check out mentally and coast. Walsh has suffered somewhat of a demotion this season in the Celtics’ pecking order with the arrival of talented rookie Hugo González, but that hasn’t stopped Walsh from continuing to work and provide value.
That’s the kind of attitude that results in quality performances like Wednesday’s outing. Walsh sent a message to the Celtics’ coaching staff and leadership that he isn’t going to let his inconsistent playing time affect his play when he does step on the court. You love to see it, and keep in mind that there are 29 other NBA teams out there noticing performances like Walsh’s. Every night is an audition. If things don’t work out long-term in Boston, they might work out elsewhere.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was pleased with Walsh on Wednesday, not surprisingly. “I thought he was great on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said postgame. “His presence defensively, his rebounding, his positioning … I think our defense changed it, but I also think he sparked the change in the game.”
Player development can be a funny thing in the NBA. Walsh is now in his third season, and fans who watch every Celtics game probably feel like Walsh has been around forever. But the fact of the matter is, Walsh is still only 21 years old. There’s a handful of 21-year-old future NBA players who are still playing college basketball right now.
Not everyone blooms during their rookie contract. Some players take longer to develop. Despite the arrival of González (and competition on the wing from Baylor Scheierman), Walsh will continue to get opportunities this season due to the Celts being one wing short (a guy named Jayson Tatum).
If nothing else, Walsh is showcasing his character right now. Through inconsistent minutes and setbacks in his development, Walsh is staying the course. And in an organization like the Celtics, staying the course will always lead to growth.