Despite having trouble making 3-pointers in Summer League, Boston Celtics second-year big Jordan Walsh is still putting up incredible numbers. Walsh is currently 0-for-22 from three and went 0-for-10 in Friday night’s Las Vegas exhibition game against the Dallas Mavericks. The 20-year-old, who the Celtics selected as a defensive-first forward out of Arkansas last season, isn’t letting his lackluster play eclipse his attacking style.
Following Friday night’s Summer League defeat to the Mavericks, Walsh told reporters, “I would say the focus has never changed,” according to CLNS Media. “I’ll take my open shots no matter what. I will take them in whether they go in or not. All I have to do is earn the defense’s respect. My attention seems to be more on playing the correct position, guarding, and defending as a defender. It doesn’t really matter if I make or miss shots because of that. Since my games don’t actually depend on it, I’m looking for alternative ways to stay active.
Walsh was in the starting lineup for 30 minutes when Boston played the Mavericks, and despite his shooting struggles, he was focused, enthusiastic, and driven to get points in other places. In the 101-90 defeat, Walsh finished with 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field, a game-high 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Walsh plans to place a strong emphasis on keeping the right mindset moving into his second season in the NBA, especially when facing various challenges.
Regarding his mindset, Walsh stated, “I feel like it’s getting better,” according to CLNS Media. “I feel like I’m getting better and letting it go, but it will take some time.” With just nine games played for the team last season, including just one start, Walsh didn’t have many chances to establish himself with the Celtics. In that one game, Walsh played 17:08 and scored one point. He played with Boston’s G League club in Maine for the most of the 2023–24 season, averaging 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 27 games on 42.6% shooting from the field.
Walsh may not see the results of his “onto the next play” approach in the box score, but Boston’s coaching staff notices. According to CLNS Media, coach D.J. MacLeay stated, “He played really, really hard today.” “I believe he’s playing as well as he can defensively, and he had a solid game overall. There is not much of a sample; the shots come and go. All you have to do is stick with the process. Proceed from there by continuing to shoot the appropriate targets.
