Jordan Walsh, the Boston Celtics’ second-round choice, was an under-the-radar candidate entering the NBA draft, and the 19-year-old doesn’t see that changing.
Walsh, selected 38th overall out of Arkansas, awaited his debut in the league on draft night. Walsh played 36 games for the Razorbacks during his one-and-done season, and he’s clearing up one of the most common questions for any NBA newcomer: his ‘NBA 2k’ rating.
“I’ll be honest with you, bro. If I had a 2k rating right now, it may be a 72, man,” Walsh joked during a Twitch webcast Saturday night. “I believe that’s what they’d give me, a 72.” That’s outrageous.”
That’s not too far-fetched of a prediction considering last year’s ratings.
Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic, who was picked first overall and won Rookie of the Year this season, led the 2023 draft class with a 78 overall rating in ‘NBA 2k 23.’ Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson received the lowest rating for a first-round pick in that draft class, a 70. As a result, Walsh could be near.
At Arkansas, Walsh averaged 6.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from the floor. Although his offensive numbers weren’t spectacular, Walsh received praise for his ability to tear through pick-and-rolls and make opposing players uncomfortable on that end.
“Our scouts and people in our front office had been talking about him,” said Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, according to NBC Sports Boston. “… As a senior, he was one of the finest high school players in the country. And doesn’t he look young when he plays? On offense, he’ll make an incredible play and then get knocked off his spot. And he has a potential to be special on the other end of the floor. That is not something I say lightly.”
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