Just four days after being selected 38th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, former Arkansas forward Jordan Walsh spoke to the media for the first time as a pro.
At a Celtics community event Monday, Boston’s new No. 27 (shoutout Daniel Theis) shared that he is pumped to begin living his dream as an NBA player by being drafted to a prestigious organization like the Celtics.
“I want to say it’s a dream come true. To be with the best organization in NBA history, that means so much to me,” Walsh said via CLNS Media. “I know it means so much to everybody in this building. For me to be drafted by them, honestly, it’s great. As soon as I got to the city, I could feel the love, I could feel the history, I can feel that everybody is dedicated to winning around here and that’s what I’m about.”
Jordan Walsh says he feels the love from Boston already and excited to play for the greatest franchise in NBA history#Celtics pic.twitter.com/Q6CJ1rWojH
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 26, 2023
The 19-year-old opened up about what it means to him to be drafted by an organization with such a rich history.
“It’s amazing to be their only pick in the draft,” Walsh gushed via The Athletic’s Jared Weiss. “For them to trust that with me, that means a lot. And that says a lot because I’m going to an organization that loves winning, and I love winning.”
Walsh went onto discuss his first experience with the city of Boston, explaining that he can feel the love and passion from fans already.
“I’ve loved it, I can feel that winning atmosphere all around the city. The love for the Celtics is crazy.”
Newest Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh on his welcome to Boston pic.twitter.com/ahHxjoxV3A
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 26, 2023
What can Boston Celtics fans expect from Jordan Walsh?
Walsh, a six-foot seven-inch forward, helped the Arkansas Razorbacks reach the Sweet Sixteen in the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He and his teammates were able to upset the No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks in the second round before falling to the eventual champion UConn Huskies.
The Desoto, Texas native averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in 36 appearances for Arkansas last year. However, all signs point to his impact coming in ways that don’t come up on the stat sheet.
In fact, Walsh told the media that he plans on making hustle plays for the Boston Celtics as soon as he gets the chance.
“That guy’s going to be me,” he told reporters when discussing Celtics fans’ appreciation for players who dive on the floor.
Jordan Walsh said he heard Boston loves guys that dive on the floor more than guys that dunk: “That guy’s going to be me.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 26, 2023
Realistically, it’s a bit too soon to tell what sort of role Walsh will have with next season’s team. There are a lot of variables that will play into his spot in the rotation, like potential offseason signings.
However, it seems as if fans can expect top effort and grit from the soon-to-be rookie.
For more, watch as Celticsblog’s Jack Simone and I react to some of Walsh’s college highlights: