On Wednesday, the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Summer League action by a score of 95-90. The Celtics were down by 14 points at one point in the first half, but they persevered and came out on top. Although there are many names worth mentioning, the story of this game was the play of Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh. Walsh has looked impressive through three games and was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 50 FG%. The Celtics’ lone draftee of 2023 also tallied eight rebounds, two steals, and a steal in the win.
Jordan Walsh Looks Like the Steal of the Draft in Summer League
Out of Arkansas, the biggest downside of Walsh’s game was his lack of offensive abilities. This is why he fell to the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Walsh was known to be a tenacious defender with a limited offensive game. In his lone season as a Razorback, Walsh averaged 7.1 PPG on 43 FG% and a measly 28 3pt%. The Jordan Walsh that has shown up for the Celtics looks like a completely different player as he’s averaging 18.3 PPG on 44 FG% and 36.8 3pt%.
With the recent departure of Grant Williams, the Celtics have a hole in the rotation they need to fill. It is too soon to confidently say Walsh can be an immediate contributor for the team, but the conversation should be had. Although the team recently signed Oshae Brissett to potentially be Williams’ replacement, Walsh could be playing himself up to that role. Walsh fits the Brad Stevens mold as a two-way player who can be a sparkplug on both sides of the ball. It is likely Walsh will not be in a position this season to score 25 points in a game. That said, knowing he has the capability and is already showing signs of improvement is promising.
What’s Next for Jordan Walsh and the Celtics?
The Celtics play their next Summer League game against the New York Knicks on Friday. Seeing if Walsh can continue this hot streak will be worth keeping an eye on. As for what happens after Summer League ends, we will have to wait and see. There was already a chance for Walsh to get occasional minutes for the Celtics as a defensive replacement. This, however, was likely his 2023-2024 ceiling before Summer League began.
The Celtics are a very deep team and will be championship contenders once again once the season starts. This is especially true following the Kristaps Porzingis acquisition. It was never so much doubtful that Walsh ‘s potential could translate to the NBA. Instead, it was more so the fact that he just may not have a spot in their rotation for next season. However, with the way he’s played so far, it seems like plans could change.
It doesn’t make sense to overreact to just three games of Summer League action. However, it is easy to get excited about the prospect of Jordan Walsh as a rookie with the Celtics. With the loss of Williams, the Celtics may need another wing to relieve some pressure off Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Only time will tell if that player is going to be Jordan Walsh.
