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Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jordan Walsh
The Celtics haven't made a selection in the first round in two years and would have to make a trade to prevent that from extending through the 2023 Draft on June 22.
While they could package Payton Pritchard and the No. 35 pick to move up, if they stand pat, there will still be plenty of intriguing options available, including Ben Sheppard, Brandin Podziemski, and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Another prospect who merits serious consideration is former Arkansas Razorback, Jordan Walsh.
The 19-year-old Texas native is a six-foot-six forward with a seven-foot-two wingspan. He utilizes his length to shine on defense as a long, versatile wing, pairing that with excellent effort and a high motor.
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Walsh is a terrific on-ball defender, who applies air-tight pressure, moves his feet well, and has lightning-fast hands. He fouls a lot, but as a rotation player off the bench, that'll be less of an issue.
He's also an intelligent and disruptive help defender who covers a lot of ground on his closeouts. And when he gets there, he's balanced, in control, and able to play the drive.
Furthermore, he does an outstanding job navigating screens and not getting knocked off his route. Plus, he's never out of a play, and his length and motor led to many of his blocks coming from behind.
Offensively, Walsh's best ability is his playmaking. He's a connector who sees the floor well. And he'll grab a rebound and push the pace, often leading to a teammate getting a layup or an open three.
His intangibles are another reason to love what he brings to the table. Walsh was a glue guy for Arkansas, who was quick to dive on the floor, often won 50-50 balls, and consistently made winning plays.
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An example of the latter that could go a long way for him in the NBA is that in college, he was productive on the offensive glass; he has a nose for the ball and will fight through box outs to get a put-back, a trip to the foul line, or at least extend possessions.
Where Walsh needs to improve is, at the moment, he's not a threat as a shooter, which can make him hesitant to hoist.
For some players who don't shoot well at the highest levels with how fast the game is and the talent on the floor, it's a cognitive issue, like aim, which is incredibly difficult to overcome.
For Walsh, who doesn't have good touch on his shot, that might not improve much, but letting it fly with better balance, as opposed to the narrow base he has currently, could turn him into at least a league-average three-point threat. The former Razorback also has to improve his touch around the rim.
With Walsh's work ethic, a shooting coach could help him develop into a reliable kick-out option. That would figure to make him a valuable role player. But even if there isn't much improvement from beyond the arc in his future, he has the savvy and the effort to make an impact with his facilitating and as a cutter.
As someone who will play hard no matter what, who's comfortable not getting many shots, will look to and has the ability to create quality scoring chances for his teammates, generate extra possessions, and is at his best on the other end of the floor, Jordan Walsh would fit very well with Boston.
Further Reading
Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”
Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Brandin Podziemski
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Ben Sheppard
Celtics Add Another One of NBA's Top Assistants, Charles Lee, to Fortified Coaching Staff
The Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding Celtics' Guard Payton Pritchard
Suns Waiving Chris Paul; Should the Celtics Sign Him?
The Latest on Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin
If Celtics Trade Malcolm Brogdon, Here's a Realistic Return Who'd Be a Better Fit
Are the Celtics Small Tweaks from a Title? Brad Stevens Thinks So
