Jordan Walsh is a really talented two-way athlete. He has amazing defensive tools and great tenacity. He hawks down assignments with his 7’3” wingspan and he’s a constant threat to cause turnovers. He has the rare trait of being a defensive stopper and playmaker. He shuts down offense when on and off the ball by deterring the other team to make moves while also covering passing lanes for steals. He generates fastbreaks and transition opportunities by getting the ball on the other end. He pokes at the ball ferociously and keeps a really tough stance. He’s got a strong frame to push around opponents and isn’t afraid to use it. He’s hard-nosed and will dive for loose balls no matter how tough. He takes charges from larger players, will jump up in the paint, and makes the extra effort to go for another opportunity. He can get dirty when he needs to and he's an overall scrappy player. He moves his body really well across the perimeter and displays special body control for his age. He makes the right read and doesn't often go for the wrong play. He’s a mature defender that stands out among other freshmen. He switches nicely and works around screens effectively. He’s a physical specimen that knows how to use his standout measurables. He has the ability to plug into an NBA defensive system right away despite being only nineteen years old. Walsh can be utilized as an on-and-off ball defender for teams to put in a switchy scheme or as an on-ball shut-off for ball handlers. Having that above-average skill will help him earn minutes early on even if he does have some real gaps in his game. He isn’t a guy that will rot on the bench and should be able to contribute to a playoff team immediately. Offensively he has a lot of room to grow. Arkansas didn’t really involve him on that end of the floor which is why he has gone largely under the radar for a lot of draft talk. He doesn't make many huge mistakes but for a majority of his time on the court, he kind of went unnoticed as a shadow. He doesn’t shoot the ball particularly well despite having good form. He was a reliable option in high school but that comfortability has not translated. Asking him to take a jump up when moving to an even higher level may be a tough ask for his rookie year. He is a physical driver that does work hard but the lack of true sample size on a consistent basis leaves little picture as to how he will score a little muddy. The only time he seems to be a consistent scorer is in transition where he’s able to use his length and measurable attributes. He has big hands that leave him with a good grip on the ball which allows him to take sturdy long strides before bursting up at the rim. His vertical is probably his only stand-out trait offensively and is something that I wish was placed on display more often. This lack of trust from the coaching staff at Arkansas is concerning but it could have been their reliance on guard play and ball handlers. Walsh isn’t going to be a guy that has the ball in his hands for that long. He doesn’t have an advanced handle or instincts for what to do with the ball. He had a low assist rate and didn’t stand out as a playmaker but this is just something that comes with the role he was asked to play. He isn’t a risk to cause a lot of turnovers and he isn't someone that will halt the flow of the offense by keeping or hogging the ball. He has a good understanding of his skillset and won’t be a real detriment in a way where he makes mistakes, the way he might weigh down scoring is by having one weaker option that doesn’t produce a lot and give teams another defender that can sag off a bit and relocate for double teams. Coaches want to play players that are truly threats whether they are hot or cold in crunch time and the playoffs and Jordan doesn't seem like that type of player with the way things stand. I do like his abilities and traits because it’s easy for a team to work off of but it’s probably going to take a season or two before he starts to show his true impact.

Lengthy athletic wing defender. Uses quick feet and high hands to bother dribblers. Has quick hands and often gets deflections. Does a great job using length and athleticism to contest shots. A reluctant offensive player at the moment, refuses to shoot wide-open threes. Though his form is good, needs to be more aggressive on offense to be a rotation player in the NBA.

Intelligent defender - doesn’t over play or under play Knows and understands his role Always seems to be out there on defense, forcing turnovers Impact Player Rotation, quick defensive production type player Can have a lack of focus at point of attack Sometimes a bit too aggressive, can be taken advantage of by offense Some concerning turnovers Knows how to play with stars Impressive rebound ability Has three eyes, knack for seeing open men Gets into foul trouble, does too much on various game aspects Not a shooter, restricts NBA starter potential Fantastic perimeter defender, insane 7’2” wingspan Just an active, energy player, makes impact plays willingly Like his ball security instincts, values possessions Intrudes passing lanes and dribble-drives with outstanding length Fantastic passing flashes in Arkansas, true evidence in high school - should be a big part of his game Necessary piece for a winning team, just a bulldog Super impressive athleticism, rises with verticality, lob threat at Arkansas Solid and active on the glass Comes up with loose balls in situations you think he couldn’t, makes so many smaller, yet effective plays for the team Nothing special as a finisher, can lack feel Lacks craftiness in the lane, predictable Doesn’t fight through contact, goes up just hangs on par with defender for a contested look Like his wrap-around move where Walsh uses his length to finish around (literally) the defender Big time competitor, so in tune to big games Passes up open threes, very unconfident Has a solid form, just needs to trust his ability Don’t see him being a scorer at the next level, rather a defensive role player. Just lacks anything that pops off the screen on offense