Second-round picks inherently have a tough climb to make the All-Rookie team, but it's far from an impossible trek. In fact, last season was the first of the last five that exclusively had first-round picks on the All-Rookie rosters.
Why can't Jordan Walsh be the next second-rounder to make that kind of impact?
OK, there are a lot of reasons why it may not happen—Boston's frontcourt depth, his need for offensive seasoning—but his tenacious defense and explosive athleticism could get him on the court often enough to impress voters. With his defensive playmaking, transition play, elite motor and sneaky-good passing, the 19-year-old is the kind of player who can make things happen one night after the next.
The Celtics have limited options behind their star wings, and while they have three really good bigs, one is old (Al Horford) and the others have lengthy injury histories (Porziņģis and Robert Williams III).
Boston might be forced to play Walsh sooner than it anticipated, and once he hits the hardwood, his energy could make him an essential piece of the puzzle.
