Sacramento Kings host 3 intriguing prospects in pre-draft workouts
By Logan Struck
Jordan Walsh – SF/PF/SG, Arkansas
Jordan Walsh, a former 5-star high school recruit, was part of a stacked Freshman class at Arkansas. While Walsh did not display many offensive tools during his lone college season, the 6’7″ forward showed he is one of the top defenders in the 2023 draft class. With a 7’3″ wingspan, Walsh can use his length to disrupt ball handlers and guard every position.
Playing in an NBA system, Walsh should be able to develop his offense and turn into a premier two-way talent. His athleticism allows him to run the floor and score in transition at an elite level. Walsh is projected to go in the early second round, where the Kings could take him with their 38th overall pick or possibly the 54th pick if he falls that far.
Jordan Walsh’s offensive tools might be more developed than we have seen, as he claims he was held back in Arkansas’ system (via ESPN):
"“Once I got out of Arkansas, I’m now in a position where I don’t have handcuffs on me. I’m able to shoot and make plays for people. I have that flexibility to show that I can do all those things. I was stuck in a role, but now they’ll see the real Jordan.”"
His “handcuffs” may be related to Arkansas’ talented roster, where Walsh was not as big a part of the offense as he probably wished. Being college teammates with projected lottery picks Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr., along with projected second-round pick Ricky Council IV, Jordan Walsh is now getting the opportunity to show his offensive ability through pre-draft workouts. If Walsh proves he can be a premier two-way player, his draft stock might rise to the early second round.
