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Jordan Walsh says all the right things during first appearance as a Boston Celtic

cameron tabatabaie
·4 min read
14

For some players, jumping from college to the NBA can be a difficult transition. In the blink of an eye, they’ve gone from big man on campus to lowest rung on the ladder. Incoming Boston Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh appears ready for that challenge, however. At an introductory charity event with his new team, Walsh told reporters he understands the task at hand.

“It’s just a lot of work,” Walsh said,” Now that I have the opportunity to work with guys like (Jayson) Tatum and (Jaylen) Brown, those people who have that experience, who can teach me and give me you know hints of wisdom so I can better my game, that means the world. And I have a whole summer to work with them to prepare for the season.”

The Celtics introduced Walsh at an event celebrating the refurbishing of a basketball court at Cambridge Community Center. Walsh was determined to make a good impression, and it appeared he did his homework. “I heard that Boston likes people who dive on the floor more than people who dunk the ball,” Walsh said. “That guy’s going to be me.”

Walsh led drills with local youth during the event and cracked jokes to the crowd. He seemed comfortable and excited to be a part of the moment. After, he spoke about joining the Celtics and what it means to him and his family.

“To hear your name called,” Walsh said, “It means the world to a guy like me who’s been dreaming of that. I’m glad I’m super happy to live in Boston. I’m just happy that I’m here.”

Earlier in the day Walsh met members of the Celtics organization and toured the team’s facilities. The experience made an impact on the 19-year-old.

“Just today I took a picture in front of the banners,” Walsh said, “That’s special, to have that accomplishment of being the best team in NBA history. That’s nothing you should be taking for granted. That’s years of development, years of love, years of trust, not just the players but between the fans.”

Walsh is a dynamic player with the athleticism and instincts that could help him crack Boston’s rotation next season. He told reporters he understands that hustle and defense are key to his success at the NBA level.

“That’s what’s going to get me on the floor now,” Walsh said of his defensive hustle. “And that’s what my game is. That’s the foundation of my game.”

“I’m going to do whatever it takes to get that stop,” Walsh continued, “That’s going to give us an advantage over the other team. And that’s a foundation for my game. And I so much pride in that.”

That determination was critical for Walsh during his lone season at Arkansas. He began the year as a starter before moving into a reserve role. Defense and hustle helped Walsh make a return to the starting lineup as the Razorbacks made a Sweet Sixteen run before losing to UConn, the eventual champions.

Walsh understands he’s been afforded another opportunity to grow and prove himself in Boston. He told reporters exactly why he was so intent on impressing during his workout with the Celtics.

“I know what type of organization Boston is,” Walsh explained, “I know that being able to be with guys like Tatum and Brown, who can give me wisdom and are in a winning environment, who have been to the playoffs so many times. To be with an organization that has so many championships, to be in that environment, to grow in a place like that as your first place in the NBA, that sets the foundation for your career.”

Walsh will have his first opportunity to impress on the court this July in Las Vegas as he and the Summer Celtics participate in the league’s annual Summer League.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire