Jordan Walsh throws behind the back dime during NBA Summer League
Jordan Walsh is a very intriguing prospect for the Boston Celtics considering his size and skillset. If he keeps doing what he’s been doing during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, though, he’ll become even more of a fascinating piece for the franchise heading into his rookie season.
In his second appearance as a pro, Walsh made yet another highlight. In a move off the catch against the Washington Wizards, the Arkansas product whipped a pass behind his back and right into the shooter’s pocket of Justin Bean for a dime of an assist.
Boston acquired Walsh with the 38th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
In his opening game in Vegas, Walsh impressed in a loss to the Miami Heat. He scored a team-high 18 points while also posting five rebounds and two steals. He was very efficient too as he shot 54.5% from the field, 66.7% from three, and 100% from the charity stripe. His game-high four threes was highly encouraging considering it was double his career-high from his freshman season in Fayetteville.
Walsh reveals message he received from Jayson Tatum during NBA Summer League
As a second-round pick of the Boston Celtics in this year’s NBA Draft, former Arkansas star Jordan Walsh has a chance to play his way onto the roster during the NBA Summer League. He made his debut Saturday against the Miami Heat, and one of his highest-profile teammates was in attendance.
Jayson Tatum was on the sidelines for the game at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas and was talking with some of the Celtics players during the game. Walsh was part of that group, and he told NBA TV’s Chris Haynes the message Tatum had for the young stars.
“The message is just play hard, represent the Celtics,” Walsh said. “He’s been to the playoffs countless times. He’s a great player. We all want to be where he is. For him to give me any type of insight, I take that with great pride.”
Walsh knows he has to prove himself if he wants to make the team. That’s why he’s focusing on settling into a role and making improvements so he can get to the NBA. If he can do that, he can start toward his goal of playing alongside Tatum. Through one Summer League game, Walsh looked the part too.
“For me, now, at this point, it’s about playing my role to the best ability that I can,” Walsh said. “I know that my goal is to be somewhere to be able to play with the guys that are on the sideline like Jayson Tatum. I know to be able to play with guys like that, I’ve got to be able to make open shots, I’ve got to do the dirty work. That’s what I’m preparing myself for.”