It’s time to get to know the lone choice from the 2023 NBA Draught who is anticipated to join the team: Jordan Walsh, the No. 38 overall pick. While Boston’s multitude of Draught Night transactions are still being finalised, it’s time to learn more about Jordan Walsh.
But first, let’s examine the reasons the 19-year-old wing is anticipated to wear a Celtics jersey.
The blockbuster three-team trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay State was the first of a string of Friday night transactions that Boston is predicted to complete. The Celtics will acquire the rights to Walsh, who was chosen with the 38th overall choice, in one of Boston’s planned transactions.
The 35th overall selection, which was formerly held by the C’s, was part of the Porzingis transaction that sent Mike Muscala, Danilo Gallinari, and the C’s to Washington. Marcus Smart was purchased by Memphis, the third club involved in the agreement, from Boston in return for the 25th overall selection and a first-round pick in 2024 (through Golden State). Tyus Jones was also dispatched by Memphis to Washington to finalise the three-way agreement.
The other agreements are still being finalised, leaving just that one Celtics trade as an official one.
In exchange for the draught rights to the 25th pick (Marcus Sasser), Boston received the 31st pick and two future second-round picks from Detroit; in exchange for the 31st pick (James Nnaji), Boston received the 34th and 39th picks from Charlotte; and in exchange for the 34th pick (Colby Jones), Boston received the 38th pick (Jordan Walsh) and a future Dallas second-round draught pick from Sacramento.
Simply put, when the deals are completed, the Celtics will receive the following second-round picks:
• Dallas’ 2024 second-round selection; the best of Detroit’s, Golden State’s, or Washington’s 2025 second-round picks; the No. 38 overall pick (Walsh);
• The top 2026 second-round selection from Minnesota, New Orleans, New York, or Portland
• Atlanta’s second-round selection in 2027
After clearing up the commotion, let’s speak about No. 38.
Walsh just finished his first season at the University of Arkansas, where he played as a tall, athletic player with good defensive abilities.
The 6-foot-7, Dallas-born player is seen by Celtics President of Basketball Operations as a raw talent with great potential.
After the Draught was over on Thursday night, Stevens remarked of the player, “He’s a good prospect.” “He’s a kid. We don’t anticipate him to arrive and set the globe ablaze during the first few months, Summer League, or the first year. His wingspan of 7 feet 2 inches gives him a unique capacity to defend swallow people up laterally. He truly wreaks havoc with his energy, his ability to move his feet, and his arms.
This previous season, Walsh played for a Razorbacks squad that also included the No. 6 and No. 27 overall picks in the draughts, Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. All three were over after one round.
Walsh only played one season at Arkansas, during which time he shot 43.3 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from 3-point range, averaging 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals a game. Stevens adds that Walsh is a better shooter today than he was a few months ago, based on the two short sessions he had with the C’s, despite the fact that shooting was his alleged problem.
When it came to Walsh’s shooting, Stevens stated, “He is just getting better and better.” “I’ve always felt his touch was terrific, but sometimes he appeared hesitant. So, I believe that with time, he’ll develop into a pretty strong shooter with the athleticism to close out and drive. However, he will have the advantage right away in terms of defence.
Along with Walsh, the Celtics benefited greatly from the acquisition of four future second-round selections. Since the league will be operating in a new financial environment as a result of the forthcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, second-round picks are more in demand than ever. Through a number of transactions that have taken place across the league over the last several weeks, we have seen just how highly sought after they are.
“We were excited what we were able to get out of [Thursday night] with more picks to be used in any variety of ways,” said Stevens, “and then a good player in Jordan.”
Plan to see Walsh in action in two weeks when he is anticipated to participate in the NBA Summer League with JD Davison, who was selected in the second round last year, and many other young, developing players.
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