Jordan Walsh is learning the difference between having a role and being a role player

[u/Frequent-Control7090]

https://www.celticsblog.com/celtics-analysis/146920/jordan-walsh-is-learning-the-difference-between-having-a-role-and-being-a-role-player

I’ve always thought Walsh was a player where you could see why people were intrigued by him, but the actual role was a little harder to picture.

At this point, I think it’s getting clearer. He probably doesn’t need to become much more of a scorer. But I do think he can get really good at all the stuff that keeps role players on the floor: cutting, screening, defending, making quick decisions, maximizing JT’s abilities, etc. Maybe even more so than some of the other young guys.

Walshy’s always had the tools. Now we get to see if they can actually turn into trust and minutes.

[u/Justalittlejewish]

We’re going to run some Walsh x Hugo x White lineups this year that absolutely demoralize teams.

It wasn’t a large sample size at all, but our lineups with those 3 had a +37.4 net rating last year. 37.4. Let that sink in. That’s a 129 offensive rating and a 91.9 defensive rating. Imagine adding a healthy tatum to actually run the offense and Mitch Robinson to some of that lineup. Walsh and Hugo get to be defensive hounds, you have the best shot blocking guard in the league roaming off ball, Mitch switching 1-5 and Tatum anchoring it all off ball.

I think Walsh is going to be massive for us this year.

[u/xskarma → u/Justalittlejewish]

I have seen you post this before, and it always excites me to think about. Good luck picking on anyone in that line up. Hell for bench units that usually thrive on just picking on the other team's weak defensive bench.

[u/Justalittlejewish → u/xskarma]

1000%. Oh you managed to survive the starter minutes? I hope your backup center is ready to bang with one of Mitch or Queta. You’ve got some ball handling off the bench? Enjoy getting thrown in a torture chamber by Walsh and Hugo. You start packing the paint? Alright Garza, go space the floor and launch some threes.

Brad and Joe have built a team that has a ridiculous number of combinations and counters, I fully expect Joe to play damn near 12-13 guys all year long.

[u/LCBloodraven → u/Justalittlejewish]

Man I am so hyped for this season, opening night can't come soon enough!

[u/joyouspanther]

He was really the catalyst that turned around the season early on last year. Then he fell out of the rotation when he was fouling too much. Hopefully another year of experience settles him down because he is really talented.

[u/JaDamian_Steinblatt]

Jordan Walsh is one of the reasons for optimism this year. I think he's gonna be really good.

His length and athleticism allow him to smother dudes on the perimeter and still switch up to 3s and 4s when needed. On offense he can get to the rim in about two steps and has shockingly good touch with his left hand. Not a great passer by any means but crafty with dump offs when it's there, sorta like Jaylen Brown.

Also I believe in his jumper. The form looks good to me, he shot 38% from three last year, and the Celtics have a proven track record of developing shooters.

[u/SteamingHotChocolate]

happy to see Walsh develop and find footing here

[u/Smoofness1234]

lfg

[u/chlaur02421]

Interesting question for folks Walsh is only 22. Thus he could conceivably be a senior in college if he was he would most certainly be a first round pick next year, but do you think he would be a lottery pick?

[u/Rich-Ad-4314 → u/chlaur02421]

Objectively probably not. He's shown promise defensively but still isn't exactly Tony Allen. Offensively hes just hard to play. His developing three looks good though