On Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina, guard Jordan Walsh of the Boston Celtics defends during the second half of an NBA basketball preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Erik Verduzco/AP)AP Boston — The TD Garden crowd realized the seriousness of the issue when Jordan Walsh examined Wednesday’s victory over the Spurs. Even though Walsh’s NBA debut was a blowout and hundreds of supporters had already left, those who stayed made sure to show their support. 
It went beyond that initial instance. The 19-year-old rookie Walsh was greeted with cheers from the C’s faithful each time he touched the ball, no matter how brief. And the crowd was ready to erupt when Walsh finished with 47 seconds remaining on a 3-pointer. Although Walsh didn’t quite get through, he thought back on the encounter.
Regarding feeling the throng, Walsh replied, “I definitely could.” “Everyone began yelling as soon as I became visible and the ball began to move in my direction. I think I was a little anxious. It is all a part of the game, though. However, I was undoubtedly thrilled. After playing much of the season in Maine as a member of the C’s G-League team, Walsh eventually saw action in the NBA. In eight games, he has averaging 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds there. Notably, he is also hitting 40.8% from three point range each game.
The lone rookie on the Celtics was chosen 38th overall in the previous year’s draft. With the C’s roster so full, minutes will be difficult to come by at this time. Walsh is receiving significant playing time in the G-League because of this. Since he won’t be 20 until March, he still has a lot of professional development ahead of him.
“I think there’s been improvements,” Walsh remarked. “You’re not really going that hard if you go that long without improving. I firmly believe that I’ve made some progress. I’ve had it so easy with the males around me. For me, the coaches have made it simple. They’re still in Boston, even when I’m in Maine; they text me, they come to games, and things like that.
Even though he didn’t play, Walsh has spent a couple times with the NBA team, including Christmas, when his family was able to visit and spend time with him. In the absence of anything else, he has been improving behind the scenes in an effort to become a contributor in the future.
Thus, Wednesday marked the beginning of what Walsh and the Celtics hope will be a lengthy and successful NBA career. Walsh grabbed four rebounds in his three minutes on the court on Wednesday. Even though there were neither fireworks nor points, Walsh was still very grateful to be playing in front of the Garden audience.
“It’s been easy for me personally knowing that I’m in the best team and organization in the NBA right now,” Walsh remarked. Keeping that in mind, I’m aware that everyone must go through a process and that the moment is drawing near. I’m only now starting this process, and hopefully by the conclusion I’ll have achieved my goals. And that’s pretty much how I go about things every day—just trying to get the destination.”
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