Dream Fit: Rockets, Kings, Warriors

Overall Grade: 62.04

Projected Position: PG/SG

Strengths:

• Quick traffic navigation defensively

• Good speed moving with players defensively

• Comfortable shooting off platform

• Good ball pokes

• Plays with a strong base

• Great bend around screens

• Plays strong through screens to not sacrifice positioning

• Good sheds & fakes to get open on baseline cuts

• Good body control in the paint

• Good extension & timing on perimeter contests

• Good body positioning getting low on drives

• Good change of pace on drives

• Good kickout on dribble penetration

• Good ability to draw fouls

• Good ability to split defenders

• Able to maintain his handle through press & doubles

• Good elevation on shots

• Good adjustments on ball positioning around the rim reading defenders

Weaknesses:

• Poor lateral movement

• Poor rebounder

• Gets blocked when he starts his strides too early on drives

• Some reckless passes out of dribble penetration

• Can't defend in the paint

Scouting Report: Walter Clayton Jr.

Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6'3", 195 lbs
School: University of Florida

Draft Projection: Late first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

Overview:
Walter Clayton Jr. is a dynamic guard with a proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Known for his scoring, leadership, and clutch performances, Clayton has been a standout player for the Florida Gators. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and basketball IQ makes him a valuable prospect for the NBA.

Strengths:

• Clutch Scoring: Renowned for his ability to deliver in critical moments, as seen in his standout performances during the NCAA Tournament.

• Three-Level Scoring: Can score efficiently from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim.

• Free-Throw Shooting: One of the most reliable free-throw shooters in college basketball, with a career-high 87.7% in a single season.

• Leadership: A vocal leader on the court, known for rallying his team in tough situations.

• Basketball IQ: Makes smart decisions and reads the game well, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

Areas for Improvement:

• Defense: Needs to improve his lateral quickness to guard elite NBA guards effectively.

• Size: At 6'3", he may face challenges against taller guards in the NBA.

• Turnovers: Reducing errors under pressure will enhance his playmaking reliability.

Player Comparisons:

• Fred VanVleet: For his clutch scoring and leadership qualities.

• Jalen Brunson: For his ability to perform under pressure and lead his team.

Summary:
Walter Clayton Jr. is a well-rounded guard with the potential to be a valuable contributor at the next level. His scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a reliable backcourt player. With continued development, he could carve out a significant role in the NBA.

Draft Range: Mid-Late 1st

Projected NBA rookie role:

Projected NBA position: Guard

Projected Rookie Statline (Pts, Reb, Ast, Blk/Stl):

Strengths:

Weakness:

Shades of/comp:

Best outcome:

mid outcome:

worst outcome:

A little undersized for a two guard but makes up for it with his scoring skills. He is a great shooter and rebounds well for his size. He can be a defensive liability at times.

NBA Comp: CJ McCollum, Jamaal Murray

Comp: Jordan Hawkins/Ty Jerome/Eric Gordon

• one of the drafts most talented 3pt shooters as it stands; is super efficient in the c&s, is a good movement shooter, can shoot really well off the bounce/coming off ball screens, and always seems to find his of gravity on jumpshots

• notably good range

• will serve really well as a secondary ball handler/playmaker in the nba, though it’s unlikely he’ll ever reach the ability to be a lead engine

• already a great free throw shooter at over 80%

• a bit turnover prone especially when pressured

• solid finisher but notably lacks a left hand

• a relatively undersized combo guard and will likely always be a negative positional defender

• super nba ready and could definitely be a low-end starter on a championship team one day

(30/4) TBC

Clayton was a crucial piece to the Florida Gators championship run this year. Most Outstanding Player recipient.

Great playmaker, can swap to a passer when his shot isn't falling.

Super high volume from 3, and shot it at a good clip. Excellent FT%.

Mature, quick decision maker. Understands how to make his teammates more comfortable.

A senior, obviously important to note.

Comp: Payton Pritchard

Solid scorer as a guard and a really good shooter. He's not a primary option and will mostly be a 6th man i think.

NBA comparison : Payton Pritchard/Fred VanVleet

Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect.

Pros:

Shooting Versatility

Shot creation

Clutch

At-rim Finishing

Cons:

Defense

Playmaking

Comparisons: Ben Gordon, Jordan Clarkson