Jordan Walsh Discusses Getting Drafted by Celtics, His Welcome to Boston

The draft pick the Celtics kept turned into a prospect fans could quickly fall in love with.

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics spent most of draft night trading back. They swung four deals, netting multiple future second-round picks. But the selection they stuck with turned into Jordan Walsh.

The former Arkansas Razorback is someone fans should be excited about. Walsh was a glue guy in college, known for making winning plays and quick to dive on the floor, often coming up with 50/50 balls. Sound familiar?

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After the draft, Brad Stevens, who got emotional while discussing Marcus Smart's departure in the deal for Kristaps Porzingis, a three-pronged gamble, expressed the following about what Walsh brings defensively.

"He has a special ability laterally and with his (seven-foot-two) wingspan to swallow people up defensively."

The organization's president of basketball operations also shared a promising update on Walsh's improvement as a shooter post-college, impressing his new franchise during his two workouts with them leading up to the draft.

Due to his defensive abilities, the 19-year-old projects as being capable of immediately contributing if asked to. But becoming a reliable kick-out option raises his ceiling and could lead to him one day developing into a starting-caliber player.

Summer League will provide fans their first chance to see Walsh, who will wear number 27 for Boston, suit up for the C's. Their first practice is Saturday at the Auerbach Center, and their first game is July 8.

But the first chance to speak with this year's 38th overall pick came at the "Live, Learn, and Play" renovation at the Cambridge Community Center.

Founded in 1929, the facility serves over 15,000 individuals annually. The Food & Supply Pantry program, operating out of the community center gymnasium, serves approximately 1,000 households per week.

Monday's event was the 119th "Live, Learn and Play Center" refurbishment project the Celtics have done since first doing so in 2008.

New Celtic Jordan Walsh working the youth clinic at the Cambridge Community Center ... In full hoodie & hat. This is the opposite of football players going shirtless in sub zero weather pic.twitter.com/EWECAFZRvt

— John Karalis 🇬🇷🇺🇦 (@John_Karalis) June 26, 2023

Walsh, who joins a long-standing tradition of newly drafted players giving back to the local community on day one, expressed, "It was amazing, actually. The kids had so much energy. It was a good atmosphere."

As for his new NBA home, he described it as "amazing," continuing, "to be their only pick in the draft, for them to trust that with me, that means a lot. And it says a lot because I'm going to an organization that loves winning. And I love winning, so it means the world to me."

An enthusiastic Walsh also shared his appreciation for the welcome he has received from Boston and the Celtics' fan base.

"I've loved it. I can feel the winning atmosphere all around the city. The love for the Celtics is crazy," and "I've fallen in love with Boston, and I haven't even been here for 24 hours."

Further Reading

Celtics' Summer League Roster Taking Shape

Jordan Walsh Already Improving on Main Weakness, a Potential Ceiling-Changing Development

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Scouting Report on Celtics' Second-Round Pick Jordan Walsh

The Details about Future 2nd-Round Picks Celtics Acquired at the Draft

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Forearm Strain

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18