Jordan E. Walsh, born March 3, 2004, is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball with the Razorbacks of Arkansas. He was one of the top players in the 2022 class and a five-star recruit in general.
Walsh initially attended Faith Family Academy in Dallas, Texas, but grew up in DeSoto, Texas. As a junior, he was named Class 4A All-State after averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, 2.4 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. Before the start of his senior year, Walsh changed schools and enrolled at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. In his lone season in the links, he averaged 15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. During the season, Walsh was selected to participate in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game.
He was Arkansas’ starting wing when Walsh started his first year there. In the middle of the season he was added to the bench as an important reserve. Walsh eventually returned to the starting lineup and became one of Arkansas’ most important defenders due to his length and athleticism. Walsh averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals in his one season with Arkansas. He declared for the NBA Draft on April 19, 2023, while still eligible for college. Walsh later decided to remain in the draft.
Walsh is an extremely tall and athletic dual forward player who should develop into a wing in the long run, although at the moment his offensive style is more akin to a hybrid four. He could potentially develop into a useful asset at the top core level. In addition to his tall physique, he also has good bounce and flowing stride. Walsh may be most disruptive on the defensive end, where he protects the ball and contests shots. He can lead on breaks after recovering defensive rebounds and has a nose for the ball when inspired, but he lacks the innate ability to consistently make the right choices in offensive formations. Although his jumper is attractive, it’s not entirely reliable. His main goal is to sharpen his decision making and increase his threat level when coming from behind the arc.
