Celtics’ Jordan Walsh Praises Jayson Tatum’s Off-Court Leadership
On Sunday, Nov. 9, the Boston Celtics secured a win over the Orlando Magic at the second time of asking. Joe Mazzulla’s team had lost to the same opponent just two days prior, marking their first
Jordan Walsh came off the bench to make a big impact, including a dagger three late in the game. During his postgame news conference, Walsh credited the advice and leadership of
“He’s a coach/hype man/ leader,” Walsh said. “He’s kind of doing it all. Obviously, everyone respects him and his opinion. Respects what he has to say. So, every time he pulls me aside, I listen, because it could help me for this game, the next game, or for my career.”
Walsh ended the night with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. He shot 66.7% from the field, with both of his makes coming from three-point range. The young forward appears to have leapfrogged
The Celtics Have Two High-Energy Wings
In Walsh and Josh Minott, the Celtics have two high-energy wings to call upon. There’s a level of crossover in the skill set both players bring to the court, which allows Joe Mazuzlla to plug-and-play his forwards without much drop-off in intensity, ball-pressure and offensive scoring.
Walsh, a third-year member of the Celtics roster, is currently playing for his future with the franchise. He has a team option on his contract for next season, worth $2.2 million.
In fairness, Walsh has been impactful whenever he’s checked into the game. His size and length allow him to be disruptive in the passing lanes, and his athleticism is a huge plus to a Celtics team that is getting downhill more frequently than in previous years.
Joe Mazzulla Praised Jordan Walsh After The Game
During his own postgame news conference, Joe Mazzulla was full of praise for Walsh and the impact he made on the game.
“You have to have that type of sense of urgency,” Mazzulla said. “He’s turned it on and he’s had that sense of urgency as if he’s playing like his basketball life is on the line. One of the reasons I trusted him and went with him is because of his work ethic behind the scenes. His body language and work ethic never changed when he wasn’t playing…He’s done a great job of just doing it. He’s gotta keep it up.”
The Celtics will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 11, when they face the Philadelphia 76ers for the third time this season. Boston is 1-1 against its conference rivals to begin the new basketball year, having lost on opening night, but secured a win in the opening game of their NBA Cup run.
Given Walsh’s current production, it’s safe to assume that he will be part of the rotation in some form, most likely when coming off the bench.
JJ Redick Given LeBron James Advice Before Return to Los Angeles Lakers
James is yet to make his season debut as he deals with sciatica. In his absence, Luka Doncic has played MVP-level basketball, and Austin Reaves seems destined to make an All-NBA team. The Lakers are expected only to get better once James returns.
Despite optimism surrounding their season so far, the Lakers have some questions to answer. How will James handle not being the first option? As long as the Lakers keep winning, that concern seems minor.
In an effort to keep the good times rolling, one Hall of Fame player gave JJ Redick some odd advice.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives LeBron James #23 during the third quarter against the
Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Bench LeBron James
James is one of the best two players to ever suit up in the NBA. At this point, it’s only between him and Michael Jordan. Imagine asking either of them to play with the second unit.
That’s exactly what Paul Pierce did.
“When LeBron comes back, LeBron got to come off the bench,” he said on the most recent episode of the KG Certified
Pierce argued that James and Doncic can’t share the floor and find success. When looking at last season’s first-round exit, there’s a case to be made. However, their 15-8 record together suggests otherwise.
“Instead of you being out there with Luka, you take Luka out of the game, and now you run what Luca was doing,” Pierce added.
The Lakers have been encouraged to stagger James
Paul Pierce and LeBron James Have a Feud
Pierce, clearly, is pushing an agenda. For whatever reason, he sees himself as a peer to James. Pierce was a great player, evidenced by his ten All-Star appearances and his Finals MVP, but he is not on the same level as James.
Only Jordan is.
Pierce and James have a well-documented rivalry, and since his retirement in 2017, Pierce has taken to the media and podcast appearances to raise his reputation and tear down James.
While Redick is unlikely to have James lead the second unit, minutes where all three of the Lakers’ stars share the floor could be few and far between. It just won’t be the way Pierce may have envisioned it, with James suddenly in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.
