Boston Celtics rookie forward Jordan Walsh is starting to turn heads-and not just in Boston. The Arkansas product has been flashing the kind of upside that makes coaches smile and opposing wings sweat. Former NBA player and current NBC Sports analyst Robbie Hummel recently weighed in on Walsh’s development, and he didn’t hold back: Walsh has the tools to become an elite 3-and-D player in this league.
That’s not just lip service. Walsh has been carving out a name for himself this season with a blend of defensive tenacity and offensive promise that’s hard to miss. He’s long, athletic, and plays with a relentless motor-exactly the kind of profile that fits the modern NBA’s demand for versatile wing defenders who can also knock down shots.
Now, Monday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons-an unexpected 112-105 loss at TD Garden-wasn’t exactly a showcase for Walsh. He got into foul trouble early and spent more time on the bench than the Celtics would’ve liked. That absence may have played a role in the team’s struggles, especially on the defensive end, where Walsh’s presence has already become something of a stabilizer for Boston’s second unit.
But one off night doesn’t erase what he’s been building. Walsh has been a bright spot in a Celtics rotation that’s already stacked with talent.
He’s shown a knack for on-ball defense, staying in front of quicker guards and using his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes. Offensively, he’s not just standing in the corner waiting for a catch-and-shoot opportunity-he’s cutting, moving without the ball, and making smart decisions when he gets it.
What Hummel sees-and what Celtics fans are starting to appreciate-is a player who’s figuring out how to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands all the time. That’s a rare quality in a rookie. And when you pair that with his defensive instincts and willingness to do the dirty work, you start to understand why there's growing buzz around his potential.
There’s still work to be done, of course. Like most young players, Walsh is learning how to play defense without fouling, how to adjust to NBA speed, and how to stay locked in over the course of a long season.
But the foundation is there. He’s already earning trust from the coaching staff and carving out meaningful minutes on a team with championship aspirations.
It’s early, but if Jordan Walsh keeps trending in this direction, the Celtics might have found themselves a gem-a two-way wing with the mindset and skillset to thrive in today’s NBA. Keep an eye on him.