Celtics' Offseason Signing Making Summer League Debut Wednesday

Despite a 99-88 loss to the Heat, Jordan Walsh shined in the Celtics' first game in Las Vegas this summer, finishing with a team-high 18 points, converting on 6/11 shots, including 4/6 threes.

Jordan for 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/fSKsvN5Hd1
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 8, 2023

The 38th overall pick in this year's draft also demonstrated a good feel for the game. At one point on the NBATV broadcast, former NBA All-Star and 14-year veteran Steve Smith stated matter-of-factly, "Walsh knows how to play."

Not that there was any doubt, but the former Arkansas Razorback also played aggressively on defense and applied pressure when guarding the ball. And along with registering two steals and a block, the rookie grabbed five rebounds and helped keep the Heat off the glass with effective box outs.

But a day later, in a 103-98 loss to the Wizards, Walsh bumped knees on the game's first play, knocking him to the floor in pain. He battled through it, logging 27 minutes. But he ended the night with 12 points and went 4/14 from the field, including 1/6 from beyond the arc, though the Texas native didn't want to use what happened on the heels of the opening tip as an excuse.

To Walsh's credit, he also demonstrated his defensive capabilities and playmaking skills.

Jordan Walsh has made a couple of exceptional passes in the 2nd half pic.twitter.com/FAzStSSAqz
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) July 10, 2023

Post-game, Walsh said he has a "big knot" above his knee, describing it as "nasty." But he also made clear he intends to continue playing in Summer League.

Should the Celtics be on board with that, he'll have his first opportunity to play alongside Dalano Banton, who will join Boston's Sin City lineup for the first time on Wednesday against the Lakers.

The six-foot-nine point guard was inactive for the Celtics' first two Summer League games due to a finger injury.

Banton averaged 4.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for the Raptors last season. He came on strong at the end of the campaign, registering 11 points, seven assists, and five rebounds vs. the Bucks and generating ten points in four minutes against Boston.

Further Reading

Grant Williams Sign-and-Trade Could Reshape in Celtics' Favor

Celtics and Clippers Reportedly a 'Resounding No' for Damian Lillard

The Latest Intel on Celtics' Negotiations with Jaylen Brown

Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics

Despite a 'Big Knot' Above His Knee, Jordan Walsh Says He'll Continue Playing at Summer League

Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout

Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'

3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Opener vs. Heat

Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'

Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency

Celtics Reportedly Not Pursuing Damian Lillard