Boston Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh had his first significant NBA playing time on February 14 against the Brooklyn Nets, entering the game during the first quarter of a commanding victory for the Celtics.

Despite the team’s substantial lead when he checked in, Walsh logged a total of 18 minutes on the court, contributing five rebounds, a steal, and a block while posting a +8 box score plus-minus.

Reflecting on his experience, Walsh acknowledged the noticeable difference in physicality compared to previous appearances, emphasizing the level of intensity and the tactics employed by opponents to disrupt rhythm. He highlighted the challenges posed by opponents’ attempts to unsettle him and the need for resilience in the face of heightened physicality and pace.

“They were already up 30 in the first, so obviously that took some of the load off, but it’s definitely a different feeling,” Walsh said. “The physicality … is on another level. It could just be small, sneaky stuff that refs don’t see, that maybe you all don’t see and maybe we don’t see, but you’ll feel it.

Walsh’s opportunity for increased playing time arose due to the absence of Jaylen Brown, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Brown’s injury, while not severe, allowed Walsh to step into a more significant role within the team. However, it’s unlikely that Walsh will feature prominently in the Celtics’ playoff rotations, as his playing time may diminish once Brown returns to full health.

Looking ahead, Brown’s participation in the NBA Slam Dunk competition during All-Star weekend suggests that his injury is not significant enough to keep him out of high-profile events. As the first Celtics player to participate in the dunk contest since 2018, Brown may incorporate teammates into his performance, fostering camaraderie and team spirit within the Celtics roster.

Overall, while Walsh’s emergence provides a glimpse of his potential contribution to the Celtics, his role is likely to be limited as the team prioritizes established players during crucial playoff matchups.