Jordan Walsh Earns Starting Role with Celtics Amid Jaylen Brown’s Support

NEW YORK CITY — Jordan Walsh, a 21-year-old forward for the Boston Celtics, has rapidly transitioned from a benchwarmer to a critical player in the starting lineup, largely due to the unwavering support of teammate Jaylen Brown.

At the beginning of the season, Walsh found himself with few minutes on the court, mainly racking up did-not-play (DNP) designations. Despite this, Brown recognized Walsh’s defensive potential and consistently encouraged him. “We sit next to each other on the plane, so I talk to him all the time,” Brown said. “That’s what this team needs — somebody that can go out and guard your best player every single night.”

Walsh took Brown’s words to heart. “He kept saying to me, ‘I think it’s you. I think it could be you,’” Walsh recalled. They discussed the necessity for a strong defender, and Brown suggested he would have a conversation with head coach Joe Mazzulla about increasing Walsh’s playing time.

Walsh’s journey took a turn when the Celtics faced the Houston Rockets on November 6. With the game slipping away, Walsh got his chance and seized it, scoring 10 points and solidifying his presence. He followed this performance with a solid outing against the Washington Wizards, shooting 75% from three-point range.

Since then, Walsh has started two games and firmly established himself in the rotation. He has taken on the tough defensive assignments, including guarding stars like Tyrese Maxey, Jaren Jackson Jr., and James Harden. In fact, he held Maxey to just 1-of-9 shooting during a critical game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

“I want to make my mark in the league, and it starts with me defending guys like that,” Walsh said, revealing his ambitions on the court. His aggressive style and dedication have earned him respect from teammates. “He’s been doing a heck of a job defending. We need that,” said fellow player Payton Pritchard.

Despite being new to a starting role, Walsh embraces the challenge. Mazzulla noted, “That’s the role – that’s what you have to become, is a guy that can guard anybody on any given night.”

Walsh reflects on the impact Brown’s faith had on him. “It definitely felt like he kind of trusted in me, without even having a sort of proof of it,” he shared. The combination of Brown’s mentorship and Walsh’s subsequent performances has led to this pivotal moment in his career.