Did the Boston Celtics find something like a Marcus Smart replacement in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft? Taken at No. 38 overall out of Arkansas, forward Jordan Walsh is known for his absurd 7-foot-2 wingspan and using it to disrupt the offense of opposing teams and a motor so high it can get him into trouble.
He’s also not the greatest shot, which makes for a poor man’s Smart in a forward’s body, at least according to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley. “With … Smart off to Memphis, Boston needed a new tone-setting, all-purpose defender,” writes Buckley. “(Walsh) looks the part of an NBA player at 6-foot-5 and 3/4 without shoes and a wholly absurd 8’11” standing reach, and he defends like an NBA player, too.”
“Walsh has some ball skills and finishing ability, but he can’t create his own chances, and he may not convert the ones created for him,” adds the B/R analyst.
Emergency podding to talk over the unexpected Smart news, and what it means for the team, for fans, and for the future. https://t.co/vsQcPcd6AU
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 24, 2023
“If Walsh does enough offensively for defenses to pay attention to him, he could find his way into a larger role than people expect next season,” continues Buckley.
“If he forces the Shamrocks to play 4-on-5 offense, though, he’ll have a hard time getting off the bench.”
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