Brad Stevens and the Celtics made a myriad of trades on Draft night and ultimately ended up with just one selection–Jordan Walsh from Arkansas. The Celtics flipped the 25th pick from last night that they received in the Kristaps Porzingis deal for the 38th pick and four future second-round selections. The Celtics used the 38th pick on Walsh, making him the only new draftee for the Celtics.
Celtics Draft Defensive-Minded Jordan Walsh: A Breakdown
What Should the Celtics Expect Out of Walsh?
Jordan Walsh proved at Arkansas that he is a very athletic player and an elite defender. At just 19 years old, Walsh has the tools and potential to grow into an elite defender in the NBA. The 6’7 wing is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. With the Celtics having just traded Marcus Smart and unlikely to re-sign free agent Grant Williams, there is an obvious need for defensive depth and versatility. Walsh may not be a regular contributor right away, however. His offense is limited, but he may become someone Joe Mazzulla uses in situations where the team needs a stop. Early on, it can be assumed this is the biggest role he would have in his rookie season.
NBA Player Comparison for Walsh
One NBA player comparison for Walsh would be Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle is another wing who has made his presence felt as a defender. Thybulle is actually a little shorter than Walsh at 6’5, but their playstyles are very similar. Both are excellent and versatile defenders with the size to guard almost anybody on the court. Much like Walsh, Thybulle also had a limited offensive game heading into the NBA. Thybulle, however, has since improved in that area. If Walsh can turn into a player like Thybulle, the Celtics will be very happy getting him in the second round.
Walsh’s NBA Career Outlook
The Celtics drafted a young athletic defender with a high ceiling in the second round while also piling future second-round picks. All things considered, this is a low-risk, high-reward move for the team. The potential is there for Walsh to be a really solid player and an amazing defender in the league. Even if it doesn’t work out this way, Walsh was just selected as a second-round pick. In this case, no harm to the future of the team was done.
Walsh will likely see very little time on the court for Boston in his rookie year. This is because Walsh is currently more of a project than someone ready to come in and immediately contribute to a championship-contending team. It wouldn’t be a shock if Walsh spends most of his rookie year next season with the Maine Celtics, the team’s G League affiliate.
Still, if he can improve his offense, and continue growing defensively, Jordan Walsh could be a steal for the Celtics. Chances are we won’t know Walsh’s full potential for a few years. It will be interesting to see how Walsh is utilized and what his fit with the team is like down the line.
