Jordan Walsh the first former Razorback to win NBA championship as a rookie since Moody

It didn’t matter what team won the NBA Finals for Arkansas fans because at least one former Razorback would be crowned champion. And that honor went to rookie Jordan Walsh.

The Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks four games to one. Last night, Boston won 106-88 for their fourth and final win. Walsh had little to do with the final series itself, playing only 5 minutes in the entire series. However, he did play throughout the season, averaging nine minutes, 1.7 points, and 2.2 rebounds a game. The last former Arkansas rookie to win an NBA championship was Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors just a couple of years ago.

The other razorback on the court was Daniel Gafford for the Dallas Mavericks. He brought an explosive presence to the paint, helping them go 21-9 over the last 30 games of the regular season to reach the NBA playoffs. This was the first Finals appearance for the fifth-year veteran. During the postseason, he averaged 20 minutes, 8.9 points, 5.5 boards, and 1.5 blocks per game.

It would’ve been great to see Gafford’s hard work be rewarded with a championship, but it’s great to see any former Hog hoist a professional championship trophy over their heads.