NBA Draft 2023: 8 early entry decisions to monitor for next month

Jordan Walsh – Arkansas – 6’7, 205 lbs – March 2004

A former five-star prospect, Walsh seemed to find his calling card on the defensive end. He’s got an incredibly long wingspan and good instincts. If he did enter the draft, he’d have a case as one of the best wing defenders (especially factoring the age). Walsh is riding into the pre-draft process after a solid but unspectacular tournament.

For all of his defensive promise, his offense has a ways to go. Walsh averaged under 8 points per game on 42% from the field and 27% from deep. Defenses just seemed to ignore him for large chunks of the game and regarded him as a complete non-shooter. Walsh can kind of play out of the dunker spot a bit, but he still needs to play stronger to help him finish around the rim.

Walsh would be betting on himself if he returned, but he is the youngest player on this list giving him the most potential to rise. Walsh is mocked as a second-round pick currently. Some team would likely want him on a two-way. But, if he does come back and show some tangible growth on offense…top 20 next year doesn’t feel out of the question.

The Arkansas roster is a funky one right now, loaded with transfer guards. But Walsh’s ability to play both the three and four gives them some lineup flexibility, defense and just length to compliment their hoard of backcourt player. The Hogs would be looking like a borderline top-10 team and again, a threat to make a Final Four.