Jordan Walsh: The ‘Garbage Man’ Rising to the Occasion for the Celtics

Introduction to Jordan Walsh’s Emergence

In recent weeks, Boston Celtics’ 21-year-old rookie Jordan Walsh has earned an intriguing nickname: “The Garbage Man.” While the moniker might seem unflattering at first glance, it reflects his crucial contributions to the Celtics, who are establishing themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Key Contributions in Recent Games

Walsh demonstrated his importance in Sunday’s thrilling 117-115 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers by achieving his first career double-double. His standout moment came late in the game when he displayed grit and determination to wrestle a loose ball from Cleveland’s De’Andre Hunter, culminating in a foul from Donovan Mitchell that awarded the Celtics two crucial free throws. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Walsh’s performance, noting that understanding one’s role on the team is a difficult yet essential task.

The Statistics Behind His Performance

Over the last eight games as a starting player, Walsh has averaged 6.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in about 25 minutes on the court. Mazzulla initially explored options like Josh Minott to fill a 3-and-D role, but Walsh stepped up during a recent series against Orlando, hitting a pivotal three-pointer that showcased his potential as a reliable contributor.

Understanding the ‘Garbage Man’ Role

Despite being overlooked by defenses at times—evident when Walsh was left unguarded by the Cavaliers—he is beginning to carve out his niche. He capitalizes on these moments, cleverly utilizing back-cuts to score layups when the defense focuses on stars like Jaylen Brown. Mazzulla’s strategy doesn’t demand Walsh to be the leading scorer; instead, he is encouraged to excel in all aspects, including defense, rebounding, and game hustle.

Building Confidence Through Trust

Walsh articulated his growing confidence, attributing it to the trust his teammates have shown in him. In his own words, “Just having the guys believe in me, how the guys trust me… I feel all those things are building confidence.” His steal against Hunter is a testament to this newfound self-assurance and a stepping stone toward mastering critical game plays.

The Path Forward: Mastering Winning Plays

Moving forward, Walsh aims to refine his ability to make winning plays—those pivotal actions that change the game’s momentum. The earlier steal from Hunter exemplified precisely what Mazzulla seeks from him: generating extra possessions and capitalizing on defensive opportunities. As he continues to adjust to the NBA level, Walsh recognizes that his contributions are vital in supporting established scorers like Brown and Payton Pritchard.

Embracing the Role

Walsh’s reflections on his role further emphasize his commitment to the team. He humorously remarked, “Not the garbage man… I have to find those pockets to affect the game.” This self-awareness is crucial as he positions himself to be an integral cog in the Celtics’ successful machinery.

Conclusion

Jordan Walsh is proving to be more than just “The Garbage Man” for the Boston Celtics; he embodies the essence of a player who does the gritty work behind the scenes, helping elevate his team’s performance. As he continues to grow and adapt, Walsh is not only carving out a place for himself on the court but also contributing significantly to the Celtics’ pursuit of a championship this season. His journey serves as a reminder of the critical roles that young talent can play in a team’s success.

Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GwashburnGlobe.