On Thursday, July 23rd, it was announced that the Boston Celtics and Jordan Walsh had agreed to a contract extension, securing the Texas native for the next three seasons. Walsh had one year remaining on his contract after Boston picked up his option for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Boston selected Walsh with pick 38 in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. In his first two seasons, he didn't see the court much in Boston, but he played in a career-high 68 games last season, with 25 starts.
With his new extension, this is a huge win for Boston and Walsh.
Why Boston and Jordan Walsh both win from the extension
During last season, we saw Walsh improve his play on the court offensively and defensively. On the offensive side, Walsh averaged a career high in points (5.8), while shooting 51% from the field and 38% from three. While the volume was low, his offense in prior years was easily worse than last season, and his jump shot looked improved, making him more versatile.
Defensively, Walsh took his defense to another level, becoming one of Boston's better on-ball defenders. What made him valuable on the defensive side is his ability to guard other forwards, but also being able to guard faster guards like Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell. Having that defensive skill set is valuable in the modern NBA, with how popular switch defense has become.
On Boston's side of things, this extension is a win because you lock Walsh down for three years at a very reasonable cost. Boston has done this in the past with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser, with those working out in Boston's favor. Earlier in the off-season, the Celtics also reached extensions with Ron Harper Jr and Neemias Queta.
Last season, Boston's development system was on display with many younger players improving throughout the season. Walsh staying in Boston is great for his development, as he can continue working with the staff that has already helped develop him.
Jordan Walsh will likely be a part of Boston's rotation next season
Boston's starting five will look different after trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two firsts, and two seconds. Unlike last season, I don't expect Walsh to start as much as he did last season for Boston. While I don't think he'll start much, I expect him to play a role in Boston's rotation.
Primarily, I think Walsh will be the backup power forward, behind Jayson Tatum. Minutes-wise, he should be in the mix for around what he averaged last season (17.8) or around the low 20s. What could make his role difficult is that Boston could have a lot of forwards off the bench next season, all of whom have legit NBA experience.
Alongside the Arkansas alum, Boston could have Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and Ron Harper Jr. all off the bench at the forward spot. That only happens, though, if Boston looks to start both Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. What helps Walsh in this scenario is that he's the most equipped to handle a wide variety of defensive assignments.
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