The Boston Celtics, long defined by their star-studded roster and veteran depth, are navigating uncharted waters. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the upcoming season due to a ruptured Achilles, the team has undergone a seismic shift, trading championship cornerstones Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons and Kristaps Porzingis for Georges Niang to ease financial burdens. While the moves signal a step back from title contention, they’ve opened the door for Boston’s young talent to shine—and spark some drama.
In Monday’s 100-96 Summer League loss to the Miami Heat, the spotlight fell on second-year wing Jordan Walsh, a 2023 second-round pick acquired from the Sacramento Kings. Walsh, a former Arkansas Razorback with 61 NBA games under his belt, delivered a gritty performance: 13 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3PT), three rebounds, and a steal in just 10 minutes. But his night took a fiery turn when he was ejected after a scuffle with Heat guard Pelle Larsson. The incident, which unfolded in front of the Celtics’ front office, raised eyebrows—until Walsh broke his silence with a heartfelt apology.
Walsh apologized to Stevens and made sure front office was OK after his scuffle in front of them. Said that’s not him.
Joe Mazzulla rushed to him and loved it: “I checked my phone and he was texting me, ‘I love this outta you.’”
“Joe liked it. I don’t know if Brad liked it” pic.twitter.com/mUtqqinXo7
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) July 15, 2025
“I checked my phone, and [head coach Joe Mazzulla] was texting me, ‘I love this outta you,’” Walsh revealed, per CelticsCLNS’s Bobby Manning. “Joe liked it. I don’t know if Brad liked it.” Walsh, however, made a point to clear the air with Celtics general manager Brad Stevens, ensuring the front office knew the altercation wasn’t reflective of his character. “Walsh apologized to Stevens and made sure the front office was OK after his scuffle in front of them,” Manning reported. “Said that’s not him.”
I’m crying man Jordan Walsh just got ejected from a summer league game ðŸ˜
pic.twitter.com/ESCZzH12RT— CelticsGlobe (@PlayoffCeltics) July 15, 2025
While Mazzulla embraced the passion, the incident underscored the intensity of a Celtics squad in transition. With Tatum out, Boston is leaning on its youth to carry the load, and Monday’s Summer League clash offered a glimpse of their potential—and their growing pains. Spanish rookie Hugo Gonzalez, the No. 28 overall pick, struggled in his 27-minute stint, posting 10 points (3-12 FG, 1-7 3PT), seven rebounds, three assists, and six turnovers. Meanwhile, 24-year-old guard Baylor Scheierman led the charge with 19 points (7-19 FG, 4-13 3PT) and nine assists, showing poise as a playmaker. On the other side, Miami’s Pelle Larsson stole the show with 24 points (7-14 FG, 1-3 3PT) and six assists.
The Celtics’ Summer League journey continues with a high-profile matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. As Boston’s young core looks to prove itself, all eyes will be on Walsh—will he channel his fire into a breakout performance, or will the spotlight shift to another rising star? One thing’s certain: the Celtics’ future is as unpredictable as it is exciting.