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

Jordan Walsh is entering an in-between stage of his Celtics career. He’s 22 years old, which still makes him young enough to be discussed alongside Boston’s latest batch of developmental players. He’s also entering Year 4, wasn’t part of Boston’s…

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 10:00 AM
Jordan Walsh is learning the difference between having a role and being a role player
Key Things to Know
  • Grant Burfeind writes that Jordan Walsh is focusing on developing a high role-player IQ entering Year 4.
  • Walsh stated he is working on affecting games offensively without the ball through cutting, transition running, and screening.
  • The 22-year-old credited former teammate Jrue Holiday as a primary inspiration for understanding how to play that role.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Boston Celtics forward Jordan Walsh is focused on developing a "high role player IQ" entering his fourth NBA season, according to Grant Burfeind. Speaking at Media Day, the 22-year-old explained that he aims to make an impact without the ball by running the floor, screening, cutting, and improving his offensive decision-making alongside stars like Jayson Tatum.

Burfeind writes that Walsh must prove he can earn head coach Joe Mazzulla's trust during possessions when he does not have the ball. Walsh also noted improved confidence in his three-point shooting and highlighted that recent roster turnover has created fresh opportunities for younger players to establish consistent rotation roles.

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