Jordan Walsh

Overview

Jordan Walsh is a long and athletic wing defender.  Walsh is an apex wing defender with +7’0” wing span.  While Walsh is a difference maker on defense he is extremely deficient in all offensive categories; field goal percentage, three point shooting, free throw shooting etc.  If he stays in the draft, Walsh is a prime “draft and stash” candidate as a team would hope that he can develop his offensive skills with NBA trainers. 

NBA Skill: Elite wing defender

Offense

Jordan Walsh is an undeveloped wing with abysmal offensive numbers.  Touted as a long elite athlete his description belies his offensive production.  Elite athletes do well in FG% from attacking the rim.  Relently attacking the rim leads to FTA and FTr (Free Throw Rate).  Walsh does not have high levels in any of these metrics.  Walsh does not stretch the floor and shoots a very low 28% from 3.  In today’s NBA, a non playmaking wing that can not shoot efficiently from 3 on the second side has limited value – especially on play off teams.  

Walsh’s time cuts are an area that can be built upon.  The biggest concern is perimeter shooting.  Walsh will need to add soft touch finishes, mid range and definitely efficient 3 point shooting.  Without those skills, it will be difficult to play even a small number of NBA minutes.

Walsh is Below Average in the play types that NBA teams run most; Spot Up, Transition, and Cuts.  He will need to improve is efficiency in these Play Types to gain NBA value for playing time.

Assists and decision making

In the 2022-23 season, Walsh had limited usage (just 12.8 USG) compared to previously drafted wings at 22.1 USG.  This highlights his limited scoring role.  The ball was not in his hands for play making or decision making.  This also accounts for his low turnover average.  It remains to be seen what type of playmaker Walsh will be given the limited examples of his playmaking in college.

Rebounding and defense

To have so much defensive upside, one would expect Walsh to have stellar rebounding numbers.  Walsh averaged a paltry 3.9 RBS on 24.4 minutes per game.  Even in the rugged Southeast Conference, his rebounding numbers should have been a lot higher.  And while evaluators tout Walsh’s length he is a below average shot blocker. 

Overall, Walsh needs development to become an NBA player.  

Clearly, Walsh has the physical tools to be an NBA player.  But it is also clear he needs another year to develop his shooting without the urgency to produce at the NBA level would work well.  Many parents and players fall into the joy of getting drafted.  However, getting drafted doesn’t mean you’ll stick.

Prediction: Undrafted

Signature Game: Arkansas v LSU