2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks dream draft choice falls, Rockets shock at 4

23. Portland Trail Blazers (via Knicks) land Jordan Walsh

The Blazers went with Scoot Henderson at three, and they desperately need to improve their defense after finishing 28th in defensive rating last season. They will have a small backcourt with Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, and Scoot, so they could be looking for length and versatility at 23.

Walsh is a fringe first-round prospect that averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals during his freshman season at Arkansas. Why would the Trail Blazers select him here? This pick is purely based on upside for a roster that just simply needs more talent around their superstar.

Walsh is a 6'6 wing with a 7'2 wingspan that has shown flashes on both sides of the ball. He could become a 3-and-D wing if everything breaks right for the 19-year-old with the versatility to guard every player on the court. He is years away from producing at that level, but the raw talent exists. Walsh has to improve his shooting to stick in the NBA.

If Portland has plans of moving on from Damian Lillard and starting a rebuild, they should be looking for upside with this pick. Jordan Walsh could become the wing that every team in the NBA wants if he reaches his ceiling, and that could make him a first-round pick on June 22.