Brad Stevens gives a clear explanation for Jordan Walsh’s growth

BOSTON — Every NBA player dreams of being called up to a historic franchise like him Boston Celtics. But those dreams probably don’t include sitting on the bench for two straight seasons with little playing time. However, it was a reality for Jordan Walsh.

The freshman was just 19 years old when the Celtics traded for him in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. And while becomes a member of the winning organization was a blessing, it also meant we were struggling with the fact that minutes were going to be very hard to come by.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens understood that immediately. At an impromptu media availability session Wednesday afternoon, the de facto GM said he never thought Walsh would break into the rotation right away.

“I knew he didn’t have a prayer in the first team,” he said with a smile. “The first team was really good.

Brad Stevens joked that he knew it would be difficult for Jordan Walsh to play much in his first year:

“I knew he didn’t pray in the first team.”

He then praised his consistency:

“Your role expands when you demonstrate that you can consistently do the simplest things.” pic.twitter.com/EajCg445Gs

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) December 17, 2025

As it turned out, Walsh was in fact drafted to a championship team. The The 2023-24 Celtics won it all in dominant fashion and boasted a star-studded roster that would have a hard time earning minutes for any rookie, especially one who couldn’t even legally drink.

The Celtics then returned the following season with a similar team, which, again, hampered Walsh’s playing time.

“Last year’s team was basically the No. 1 team, so it’s going to be tough to crack them as well,” Stevens admitted.

How 2025 changed everything for Jordan Walsh

Walsh stuck with it though, performing well in the G League and giving his best effort whenever he was able to play in the Association. That patience paid off.

With Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been ruled out indefinitely due to a ruptured Achilles, Walsh is essentially a backup starter for Boston, joining the top five in 14 of the 22 games he played in during the 2025-26 campaign. By comparison, Walsh only started two games combined in his first two years in the league.

A little over a quarter of the way through the regular season, Walsh is averaging career highs of 21.3 minutes, 7.7 points (on 60.4% shooting from the floor), five rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

“When he got here, he was young,” Stevens recalled. “You have to give (young players) the grace of time.”

The third-year wing has been extremely effective offensively and made great strides with his shooting. On the other side of the ball, he’s as annoying as ever, bullying opposing stars night after night.

Sorry for the bad audio, but Jaylen Brown’s good response to prospect Jordan Walsh’s showing guarding James Harden:

“That’s what this team needs, someone who can guard the best player every night.” pic.twitter.com/IvBciM99tP

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) November 16, 2025

Most importantly, though—at least for Stevens—Walsh makes the right reads that eager beginners often overlook in their rush to be great.

“Sometimes it takes steps,” Stevens revealed. “Now you’re starting to see Jordan, occasionally more … throwing it to Neemias (Cueta) for a dunk or rolling it to somebody else. Your role expands when you show you can be consistently good at the simplest things. And I say the simplest, but it’s hard to play that hard, but he does a good job against guys.”

That’s high praise for the 2024 NBA Director of the Year, and it’s undoubtedly well-deserved.