Celtics’ Jordan Walsh opens up on missing Jaylen Brown as team plane seatmate

Jordan Walsh is expected to take on a bigger role for the Boston Celtics in the upcoming season following the departure of Jaylen Brown. Walsh also signed a three-year, $16 million contract extension, so he has to show the Celtics that he is worth every penny.

He was crestfallen when he learned that Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown took Walsh under his wing when the latter was drafted by the Celtics as the 38th overall pick in 2023. While Walsh barely played in his rookie year, he won a championship.

The 22-year-old Walsh slowly carved out a role off the bench. He has often credited the 29-year-old Brown for his mentorship. They sat next to each other on the team plane, developing a strong bond. In an interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, Walsh opened up about now having a different seatmate.

“I don’t know who’s going to be. Whoever takes it first, it’s all yours. But on missing (Brown’s) presence or having that not felt, it is different because he’s one of the guys who I was probably the closest with, maybe the second guy I was the closest with,” said Walsh.

“But for him to do so many things for me that he’s done, on and off the court, I’ve always got to show love and appreciate that because he is the realest. He is one of the realest people I know. So, obviously, having him gone, that’s a blow.”

While Brown’s departure could open up more opportunities, Walsh is not looking too far ahead. He is also aware that the NBA is a business and that he should not be totally attached to someone. Still, he said it “sucks” to see the former Finals MVP leave, along with Xavier Tillman, who is now playing in Turkey.

“Just it being a business doesn’t make it any easier, them leaving. It’s tough,” added Walsh.

Last season, Walsh put up 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 17.8 minutes in 68 games.

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