Eric Musselman shares feelings on landing spots for Anthony Black, Jordan Walsh

Four Arkansas Razorbacks found NBA homes last week and, ironically, all landed on Eastern Conference rosters. Now, with the dust settled following the 2023 NBA Draft, Eric Musselman broke down two of the landing spots for a pair of his former prodigies.

Musselman broke down Anthony Black’s arrival in Orlando as well Jordan Walsh’s move to Boston during a press conference to start the week. In Black’s case, he said that the Magic had a ton of connection with the program. They even visited Fayetteville at points to do their due diligence on the former five-star. That’s why, upon his arrival, he seems everyone seems as pleased as they are that he’s now in their fold.

“It’s a great situation for Anthony, for sure. I mean I’ve gone back and forth with Jamahl Mosley, their head coach, via text. John Hammond and Jeff Weltman spent some time here,” Musselman said. “I remember midseason, probably? Almost a two to two and a half hour conversation with them face to face with the office door shut. Going through some stuff that they had questions about. So I’m really excited for him. He’s in a great spot.”

“A lot of conversations with a lot of people in Orlando. It’s a great spot,” said Musselman. “It’s a family organization. Culture is very, very important to the Orlando Magic. He’s in a great spot, for sure. And I think his mom, Jennifer, is extremely excited. She got to meet everybody there the other day on Friday for their press day.”

In 36 games as a freshman, Black averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. His young, wiry frame at 6’7 is exactly what pro teams are looking for, which should make him an exciting prospect with the Magic.

From there, Musselman said he had similar overall conversations with the Celtics about Walsh. After Walsh averaged 7.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in his lone season as a ‘Hog, he believes Boston sees him as a long-term prospect, especially one with a ton of upside for their franchise.

“For Jordan? I talked to Austin Ainge this morning and talked to Brad Stevens yesterday,” said Musselman. “I think that Boston is extremely excited about the upside that Jordan has when you look at the long range lens that they’re looking (with).”

Musselman sounded very pleased with where each of his new NBA players ended up. The question is how many of the quartet pan out in the professional ranks now that they know where they’re headed.