Celtics Beat Episode 654: "Walsh Should START for Celtics When Tatum Comes Back"

Host: Evan Valenti (CLNS Media Sports Network)
Guest: Jack Simone (Hardwood Houdini, How 'Bout Them Celtics)
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Evan Valenti and Jack Simone break down the Celtics’ recent loss to the shorthanded Bucks, analyze Jalen Brown’s leap during Tatum’s absence, and deliver an in-depth discussion on the emergence of Jordan Walsh as a core starter. The conversation contextualizes the Celtics’ overachievement amid injuries, the evolution of the team’s offensive identity, defensive inconsistencies, and their sustainable team-building approach. Special focus is given to Walsh's ascendance and the franchise's organizational synergy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reactions to the Celtics Loss vs. Shorthanded Bucks

(03:45–12:53)

• Summary of the game: Celtics fell 116–101 in Milwaukee without Giannis, a ‘trap game’ where Boston shot poorly—especially in the second half (3/26 from three).
• Jack’s take: “I feel like when a lot of teams’ hot stretches end in the NBA, it’s in a classic case of that. … Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma turning into Jordan and Pippen.” (04:44)
• Process vs. outcome: Celtics’ shot selection suffered as the game progressed, relying too much on matchup isolations rather than flowing offense.

  “It felt like they went to pick on matchup isolation ball a little too much... Didn’t run some of the awesome sets and actions they’ve been running this year.” – Jack (07:10)

2. Offense Stagnation, ‘Missoula Ball’, and Getting Out of Ruts

(09:33–12:53)

• Celtics are susceptible to offensive droughts due to over-reliance on isolation and the three.
• Lost transition opportunity since Milwaukee kept scoring; half-court offense becomes more challenging.
• Missoula’s evolution as a coach—Evan previously thought it was a "make or break year,” but now credits real adjustments.

“If Missoula’s just like, no, this is what we’re going to do, I would be concerned. I obviously don’t have those concerns.” – Evan (09:33)

• NBA context: “That's just the NBA… any game can swing 15–20 points, then flip again.” – Jack (10:56)
• Defensive ball pressure is up, but when not forcing turnovers, pace and scoring lag.

3. Sam Hauser’s Slump & Shooter Psychology

(15:14–19:08)

• Social media panic over Hauser’s poor shooting (0-10 FG, 0-9 3PT) is overblown.
• Hauser’s defense and consistency as a 40% 3-point shooter outlined—slow starts are his norm, but always bounces back.

“He’s the most consistent 40% three-point shooter we’ve ever seen… Last guy I’m worried about.” – Jack (16:08)

• Comparison with Duncan Robinson “fall off” highlights irrationality of fan anxiety.

4. Defensive Regression and Context

(19:08–20:56)

• Celtics' defensive rating dropped to 17th, no longer elite when key defenders (Tatum, Holiday) are missing.
• Defensive rotations and transition defense were weak vs. Milwaukee.
• When offense stalls, defense is further pressured: “As their offense started to fumble, their defense got a bit more scrambled.” – Jack (20:21)

5. Big Picture: Not Overreacting to Individual Losses

(20:56–25:46)

• Boston exceeding expectations with a depleted roster.
• Natural to struggle without a top player, but contributors (e.g., Walsh) have helped carry the load.

6. The Jalen Brown Leap Amidst Tatum’s Absence

(25:46–32:08)

• Jalen Brown considered for All-NBA and mentioned in the Kia MVP ladder (“top 10 MVP candidates”).
• Expands his game: midrange mastery, tougher shotmaking, improved playmaking, and increased free-throw attempts.

“He’s making reads we’ve never seen him make before. … He’s a genuine All-NBA First Team candidate right now.” – Jack (25:46)

• Dictating the pace, using footwork and strength; reminiscent of “Paul Pierce getting to his spots.”
• Celtics' offense reoriented to empower Brown as the lead scorer and build diverse offense sets around him.

7. Offense Innovation: Offensive Rebounding & Possession Control

(32:08–35:24)

• Discussion of Fred Katz’s Athletic article on ‘the revolution of offensive rebounding.’
• Celtics have experimented with Maine for years in how best to crash the glass: “three-man, four-man, five-man crashes.”
• Boston’s current formula:
  • Not turning the ball over (correcting a fatal flaw from earlier Tatum-Brown years).
  • Crashing offensive glass at an elite rate to generate extra possessions—offsets poor shooting nights.

“This feels… sustainable. Does it feel sustainable to you?” – Evan (34:42)

• Minutes are balanced, no one overtaxed (unlike, “Tyrese Maxey playing 42 minutes a game…”).

8. Organizational Synergy & Underappreciated Accolades

(35:24–42:24)

• Celtics praised for “finding hidden gems” and getting above-expected returns out of fringe players.
  • Jordan Walsh, Ugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman: late picks or ‘castaways’ now major contributors.
  • Missoula “squeezing every last bit of juice out of every player.”
• Executive/Coach of the Year snubs:
  • Thunder's Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault are runaway favorites, but Stevens/Missoula’s work should get recognition.

“No matter what Boston does, those two guys are probably gonna win those two awards… But the job these two guys are doing is ridiculous.” – Evan (37:12–37:35)

• The Celtics’ strong internal chain of command and communication; Brad Stevens credited but praise extended “from top to bottom.”

9. Jordan Walsh’s Emergence as a Starter & Defensive Ace

(43:33–54:00)

a. Statistical Dominance and Impact

• Recent run: 8–10 FG, 3–4 3PT, 20 points, 8 rebounds vs. MIL.
• “He’s been close to their second-best player for the last ten games,” with elite defense and timely shotmaking.
• Guards 1–5, handles top opposing scorers.

“Genuine All-Defense arguments for Jordan Walsh are going to happen this season.” – Jack (45:49)

b. Defensive Excellence & Notable Stats

• From Forsberg’s research: Best wing defender in NBA not named Derrick Jones Jr; players shoot 13% below expectation against him.
• Flexibility: Walsh, White, Brown, Tatum, Kéita lineup is “outrageous, outrageous, length 1–5.”

c. Offense at the Rim & Off-Ball Value

• Walsh: 76.5% in restricted area—among league leaders for non-bigs.

“Of players with at least 50 attempts in the restricted area… 14th of 144 in percentage.” – Jack (51:53)

• “His feel around the dunker spot… is amazing for a wing.”

d. A Franchise-Changing Development

• Jordan Walsh’s leap is the Celtics’ “storyline of the entire season”—completely changed the team's outlook; payday looming.

“Jordan Walsh is the storyline of the entire season so far. I don’t think it’s even close.” – Evan (52:54)

• Summed up by Jack:

“If somebody had told me Jordan Walsh was going to be doing this, I’d have been like, ‘Really?’ …Shout out Jordan Walsh, man. He is absolutely incredible.” (53:32–54:00)

10. Revisiting Early-Season Predictions (Trick-or-Treat Recap)

(54:00–56:33)

• “Top-10 offense” checked: #2 currently.
• “Top-10 defense” no longer true.
• Pace is still dead last—deliberate despite preseason talk.

“They lied to us, Jack. They lied to our faces in the beginning all off-season…” – Evan (54:59)

• Kéita is a viable starting center; Jalen averaging nearly 30; Derrick White near 10 3PA per game—early trends holding.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Boston’s cold shooting night:
  “Sorry if I don’t think that’s going to happen too often for this Celtics team.” – Jack (04:44)

• On Walsh’s defense:
  “He’s guarding every position. …Genuine All-Defense arguments for Jordan Walsh are going to happen this season.” – Jack (45:49)

• On Jalen Brown’s evolution:
  “He’s just been a monster. …He’s a genuine All-NBA First Team candidate right now.” – Jack (25:46)

• On Coach/Exec of the Year talk:
  “Mark Dagnote obviously will get some credit—deservedly so. ...But for me it comes down to two guys—one in each conference. I think Joe with that roster…and Jordan Ott for the Phoenix Suns. Neither are going to win, but… those are the best two guys to look at.” – Jack (41:41)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Celtics–Bucks recap and process/offense analysis: 03:45–12:53
• Hauser’s shooting, team shooting woes: 15:14–19:08
• Defensive slippage and context: 19:08–20:56
• Big picture: Not overreacting to single losses: 20:56–25:46
• Jalen Brown’s leap: 25:46–32:08
• Offensive rebounding & team-building: 32:08–35:24
• Organizational synergy/underrated Coach & Exec of the Year cases: 35:24–42:24
• Jordan Walsh segment: 43:33–54:00
• ‘Trick-or-Treat’ recap of early predictions: 54:00–56:33

Recommended If You Missed the Episode

This episode provides a high-level yet granular look at the state of the Celtics—especially as they navigate injuries, evolve strategies, and test the viability of young, unheralded talent. The in-depth analysis of Jalen Brown’s development and the Jordan Walsh phenomenon are particularly essential listening for Celtics fans and NBA observers. The episode’s tone balances knowledgeable, well-argued basketball breakdown with the relaxed banter and Celtics-centric humor familiar to long-time listeners.

Plugs

• Jack Simone
  • Writing: hardwoodhoudini.com
  • Podcast/YouTube: How 'Bout Them Celtics (3x/week; daily videos)
  • Twitter/YouTube: @JackSimoneNBA

For Celtics die-hards and NBA fans alike, this episode documents not just a temporary stretch of surprising wins, but the larger patterns—and breakout talents—that may shape the franchise for years to come.