Jordan Walsh: A versatile and athletic prospect for the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have the 16th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and one of the players they might consider is Jordan Walsh, a 6-foot-7 forward from Link Year Prep in Missouri. Walsh is a versatile and athletic prospect who can play multiple positions and impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Walsh was ranked as the No. 9 recruit in the 2022 class by ESPN, and he chose to skip college and join the Overtime Elite league, a new venture that offers high school players a professional contract and an alternative path to the NBA. Walsh signed a two-year deal worth more than $1 million with OTE, and he averaged 15.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in his first season.

Walsh's strengths are his athleticism, versatility and motor. He is a high-flyer who can finish above the rim with power and finesse, and he is also a capable shooter who can space the floor. He shot 37.5 percent from three-point range and 79.2 percent from the free throw line with OTE. He can handle the ball and create his own shot, as well as facilitate for others with his passing skills. He is a mismatch problem for defenders because of his size, speed and agility.

Walsh is also a defensive standout who can guard multiple positions and disrupt plays with his length and activity. He has quick feet and good lateral movement, which allow him to stay in front of smaller players. He also has good instincts and timing, which help him block shots and get steals. He is a relentless rebounder who crashes the glass on both ends.

Walsh's weaknesses are his lack of strength, polish and consistency. He needs to add muscle to his frame to compete with bigger and stronger players in the NBA, especially in the post. He also needs to improve his decision-making and shot selection, as he sometimes forces shots or turns the ball over. He can be streaky as a shooter and a scorer, and he needs to develop a more reliable mid-range game.

Walsh has drawn comparisons to players like Jaylen Brown, Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac because of his physical tools and potential. He is a raw talent who needs time to develop his skills and refine his game, but he has a high ceiling and a lot of upside. He could be a valuable addition to the Celtics, who could use his versatility and athleticism on both ends of the floor.