#38 Draft Pick 2023: Jordan Walsh (F)

He sounds like a green Marcus Smart ...

drafted by the Knicks. Puerto Rican. To be honest, I don't see the similarities.

Why Arkansas’ 19-year-old Jordan Walsh is a seamless fit for Boston Celtics
by Caden Charpentier

Coming off the drama of Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics spent draft night adding more and more draft capital while selecting a potential rotational player in the second round.

And for the third time in the Brad Stevens’ era, the Boston Celtics selected a prospect from the NBA Draft. Since being promoted from head coach into the front office, Stevens has dealt the franchises’ first-round picks in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Those deals provided Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Al Horford, all key contributors to this team. Arkansas’ 19-year-old forward Jordan Walsh makes a whole lot of sense with the focus next season being guarding the opposition at a much higher level.

While losing Marcus Smart was devasting for the entire city and fanbase, Boston should be able stretch the floor without having to sacrifice the ability to play big. Smart’s defensive intensity and work ethic are on their way to southwest Tennessee, but if there was any rookie that had a chance to even replace part of him, Walsh is that guy. He brings an intensity on the defensive end that is unmatched by many in this year’s draft class.

Effort, energy, hustle. He embodies those traits which is why Stevens had him on the team’s short list of prospects heading into the draft.


The Texas native has a 7-3 wingspan and demonstrated an ability to defend at a high level of the perimeter in the professional game. There seems to be no fear in his eyes no matter the guard attempting to take him off the dribble. His defense is unforgiving to the offense. Whether it is weak-side help or getting out to contest a shot, Walsh’s relentless defense stands out the moment he steps on the floor.

With his size at 6’7”, Walsh will be the ninth Celtic of the players currently on the roster taller than 6’6”. He is not afraid of getting into the passing lane with the potential of fouling the opposition at the same time. That is his game. He was the only player on his Razorback team to have over 100 fouls during the 2022/2023 campaign.

Jordan Walsh is an energy lifter that has every tool to make a difference at the NBA level for the Boston Celtics

Similar to Smart and Jaylen Brown, 3-point shooting was not their best trait coming into the pro game. With time, the two became competent shooters from behind the arc. Walsh, who has a pretty solid shooting form should become a player that can knock shots down when called upon. Who knows what his role is going to be out of the gate, or if the G-League is going to be an option to begin the campaign? His size and length give him the makeup of a professional.

Depending on what Stevens does the rest of the offseason, Walsh could be someone who can come in off the bench at the two or three. He has the basketball intelligence of White with the defensive grit of Smart. Getting out in transition in today’s NBA is critical, and Walsh is someone that can create havoc so that can happen.

Like most rookies, he is not the perfect player, but his attitude and play style should fit right into the city of Boston. You can’t teach toughness, a high basketball IQ, and an over-seven-foot wingspan. The Arkansas product has all of those.

His ability to avoid fouling will determine his role in year 1. Expect him to be a high energy guy, so if thats controlled energy he'll prob be playable year 1. Im not expecting offense, but I think its fine. I like that he's okay playing unselfishly offensively. If he just makes the right pass and becomes a ball mover in the half-court, thats good enough. His value on offense will be in the transition game.

I would 100% agree. the team needed to round off their bench, and Walsh may be able to contribute something as a rookie, bringing energy and defense, as well as ball movement. 
the key for him imo will be over the next 1-3 years, can he get bigger and stronger, yet maintain his athleticism

My thought was maybe under the new salary schedule these guys might have to play. Otherwise agree 100 percent.

But its summer and we're bored

We ARE bored.

Honestly, I'd much rather prefer to see JD Davison earn a more prominent role and minutes with Kabengele, Juhann Begarin and maybe Yam Madar.

I would venture to say all 4 of those guys are way ahead of Walsh.

Including Walsh, out of those 5 players, I'd love to see 3 on the opening night roster with at least 1 earning rotation minutes. My guess is it will be JD.

I think we are all saying the same thing about the back end of the roster, and who can contribute what.
just an opinion from bopping around and reading reports, Begarin is a long ways off. Mader is not coming over (yet). JD, Walsh and KB more than likely are the final 3 bench players.