Jordan Walsh Ready to Step Up With the Celtics This Season: ‘I Want to Always Be the Best Option'

Jordan Walsh, the fifth star recruit from Arkansas who was drafted by the Kings in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, is set to make a significant impact for the Boston Celtics this upcoming season. Following the team's shocking trade of Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, Walsh expressed his determination to become the best option for Boston.

Having played in only 68 games last season, Walsh averaged 5.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, shooting 38% from beyond the arc. He is now entering his fourth NBA season and signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension with the Celtics through the 2029-30 season after his $2.4 million option for the 2026-27 season was picked up.

In preparation for this new challenge, Walsh is focusing on improving his offensive game. "I'm trying to change my identity offensively," he said, "I'm trying to become a better, way better offensive player. I'm trying to fit in situations that I didn't fit in last year. I'm trying to be the answer to the situations that they took me out of."

Walsh acknowledges that there will be competition for his role, with the emergence of Hugo Gonzalez and the team drafting Chris Cenac Jr., but he remains confident and ready to prove himself as the best choice.