As a rookie last season, Celtics forward Jordan Walsh was looking to find his way and figure out where he fit in. At practices, there were some silent indications that his new teammates did not completely trust him yet.

I n his first season in the NBA playing for the Boston Celtics, rookie forward Jordan Walsh looked a bit like the proverbial deer in headlights, not quite knowing what to do with

The biggest surprise of this Celtics preseason? The emergence of their youngest player, Jordan Walsh, who looks poised for a real role in Year 2.

BOSTON — Jordan Walsh is no longer a rookie but he entered training camp a little behind the pack at the end of the Celtics bench. The 20-year-old struggled during summer league in Las Vegas on the offensive end and there were questions about just how soon he would be able to contribute at the NBA level.

BOSTON — Shortly before the Celtics opened preseason last weekend, a question from Joe Mazzulla offered Jordan Walsh a new perspective on his role with the team. In a discussion about what Walsh would need to do on the court, Mazzulla emphasized all the dirty work the second-year pro would need to embrace.

A tip from one of his veteran Celtics teammates helped Jordan Walsh transform his game after a forgettable rookie season.

Equipped with a healthier approach and new physique, Jordan Walsh has blossomed into a player bearing no resemblance to the one who struggled at Summer League a few months ago. He credits a Celtics starter for playing an integral role in his growth.