The rumors are true; I used to be one of many unique architects of Jordan Walsh Island. However even I’d by no means have predicted that via eight video games of the common season, Jordan Walsh would have this massive of a job.
Walsh has performed in seven of the Celtics’ eight video games and is averaging 10.8 minutes in these video games. I assumed it was attainable that by the top of the season, Walsh might have earned near Oshae Brissett’s 630 minutes from final season. However this early within the season? It’s atypical for the coach of a veteran-laden staff to lean on a 20-year-old second-round decide, however now that I point out it, Joe Mazzulla is the definition of atypical. So perhaps I shouldn’t be stunned.
A part of Jordan Walsh’s ascension within the rotation has been on account of harm (and blowouts). Sam Hauser missed just a few video games, and now Jaylen Brown being out has opened the door for Walsh to get extra burn. However, right here we’re and the Jordan Walsh takeover is underway.
The offense continues to be a piece in progress. It’s a really small pattern, however he hasn’t transformed his three-point makes an attempt; Walsh is at the moment taking pictures 16.7% from three, which isn’t what we’re searching for. Nevertheless, he has solely taken twelve three-pointers, so I gained’t make any declarations about his shot presently. I believe the offense will come as he will get extra snug, and his confidence grows with extra taking part in time. Within the meantime, if he shoots his open threes, crashes the offensive glass, and runs in transition, he gained’t decelerate the absurdly dominant offensive machine the 2024 Boston Celtics have constructed.
In the long run, Jordan Walsh’s calling card as a draft prospect was his protection. Over the previous few video games, he has settled into that repute. Within the preseason, Walsh had hassle retaining opposing gamers in entrance of him; he was biting on jab steps and getting out of place.
This was not the case towards the Atlanta Hawks. Try Jordan Walsh guarding Jalen Johnson in isolation. Jalen Johnson, who simply signed a five-year, 150 million greenback contract extension. is averaging 18 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
Walsh does an awesome job retaining the twitchy Johnson in entrance of him and makes use of his physique to take the bump from the stronger participant, which forces Johnson right into a midrange fadeaway. Because of Walsh’s infinite wingspan, he doesn’t simply contest the shot, he blocks the freakishly athletic Johnson.
If Walsh can a minimum of considerably hold gamers in entrance of him, he can be an issue for offensive gamers. Walsh’s seven-foot-two wingspan mixed together with his explosive athleticism ought to enable him to get well and hassle opponents’ shot makes an attempt in a approach that the majority defenders can’t.
An space I’m assured Jordan Walsh can excel is as a assist defender. Inform me this play doesn’t remind you of somebody.
Walsh exhibits assist on the nail, forcing the ball handler to select up their dribble and kick the cross to the nook, the place Walsh is ready, able to take the cross the opposite approach. Is nobody coming to thoughts?
I’m not saying Jordan Walsh goes to be nearly as good as Jayson Tatum in relation to defending off the ball. Tatum is likely one of the greatest off-ball defenders within the NBA. Nevertheless, Walsh has the instruments to copy what Tatum does when serving to on gamers driving into the lane.
The strides Jordan Walsh has already taken this season are encouraging. As Walsh settles in, I’m hopeful he’ll proceed to extend his influence on the defensive finish.
