Jordan Walsh spent his offseason chasing a bigger offensive version of himself, but the Celtics only need the useful parts of that growth to show up.
At Summer League in Las Vegas, Walsh made it clear what he’s after. “The biggest thing is I'm trying to change my identity offensively,” he said. “I'm trying to fit in situations that I didn't fit in last year.”
That comes from a real frustration point for the Celtics’ third-year wing: too many moments where he’s watched the game call for a bucket and seen himself get replaced for someone with a stronger offensive profile. Walsh said he told his player development coach he wants to be ready for those situations, to be the player Boston wants out there when a possession needs solving.
So the work this summer has been focused and deliberate - “working on my shot, working on my handle, working on creating my own shot when I have those pockets.”
Boston’s version of Walsh doesn’t need to become a high-usage creator. The assignment is much cleaner than that.
The Celtics want him to hit catch-and-shoot 3s and help extend possessions. That second piece is already part of his game: he pulled down 2.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes last season, and he can keep manufacturing second-chance opportunities if he stays active.
The shooting gains matter even more. Walsh took a noticeable step forward from his second season to his third, and he tied that improvement to quicker feet getting into his jumper. The result was 38.4 percent shooting on 1.8 threes per game.
That kind of floor spacing is exactly what Boston needs from him. When the ball finds Walsh, the shot has to go down.
What the Celtics are not going to do is suddenly hand him the keys as an isolation scorer. Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, who could become their second-leading scorer, and Derrick White are the players expected to carry the heaviest usage. Paul George will also get iso opportunities.
Still, Walsh’s development won’t go unnoticed. If he keeps showing progress, especially once training camp opens, the staff will pay attention. And if he can turn those one-on-one chances into points - for himself or for someone else - that could earn him more of them.
For now, the job description is pretty straightforward. Walsh has to make something happen when the ball swings his way and a shot isn’t there.
He has to attack a closeout and turn it into a positive play. That’s where his offseason ambition and Boston’s needs meet.
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