Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh says he’s ‘fallen in love’ with Boston, goals to be relentless on protection

Celtics

“I heard that Boston likes individuals who dive on the ground greater than individuals who dunk the ball. That is going to be me.”

It didn’t take lengthy for Boston to make a constructive first impression on Celtics rookie Jordan Walsh.

Walsh arrived within the space on Sunday, days after the Celtics chosen him with the No. 38 decide within the NBA Draft. By Monday afternoon, he was dribbling with native children throughout a clinic on the Cambridge Group Heart.

“It’s beginning to sink in. This helps for positive,” Walsh mentioned. “The youngsters positively helped welcome me to the Celtics. It’s been enjoyable. I really like the town thus far. I really like the meals that I’ve eaten, I really like the individuals. I’ve fallen in love with Boston and I haven’t even been right here 24 hours.”

The lanky, defensive-minded wing participant mentioned that he’s already texted Al Horford, saying that he desires to be taught from the veteran massive man. He’s taken photographs along with his No. 27 jersey in entrance of the championship banners that cling on the Celtics’ observe facility.

Walsh mentioned being chosen by the Celtics was a “dream come true,” and that he’s excited to be part of the storied franchise.

“I can really feel the successful environment throughout the town. The love for the Celtics is loopy,” mentioned Walsh.

For the second yr in a row, the Celtics drafted just one participant within the second spherical. Like JD Davison final yr, Walsh is a former five-star recruit who performed within the SEC.

At 6-foot-7, 205-pounds with a reported 7-foot-3 wingspan, Walsh is the sort of defender that the Celtics eyed due to his size and athleticism.

“He has a particular potential laterally and along with his wingspan to swallow individuals up defensively,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens mentioned Friday morning. “He actually creates havoc along with his arms and along with his power and along with his potential to maneuver his toes.”

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman described Walsh as a “violent defender” throughout an interview with WBZ’s Dan Roche.

On the offensive finish, he’ll have to enhance as a shooter the place he averaged 7.1 factors on 43 % taking pictures from the sector and 27.8 % taking pictures from 3-point vary. Stevens known as Walsh a great prospect who just isn’t anticipated to come back in and “mild the world on hearth” immediately. At age 19, he’ll want time to develop.

“He’s simply getting higher and higher,” Stevens mentioned. “I at all times thought his contact regarded good however he regarded hesitant at instances. I feel over time he’ll turn out to be a extremely good shooter who has the athleticism to complete and drive closeouts. He’ll be forward on the defensive finish to begin.”

The Celtics shipped an elite perimeter defender identified for hustle performs to Memphis in Marcus Good. For Walsh, protection and hustle would be the key to incomes minutes. He described his defensive method as relentless, and hopes to protect positions 1-4.

“I heard that Boston likes individuals who dive on the ground greater than individuals who dunk the ball,” Walsh mentioned. “That’s going to be me. I’ll nonetheless do some dunking, however I’m only a man who will do no matter it takes to win.”