NBA Draft Scouting Report: Houston’s Jarace Walker
Jarace Walker
Forward | Houston
Height: 6’8” | Weight: 230 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 19.79
© Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
In terms of having a frame that’s NBA ready, Walker is near the top of the list in this class. He’s a strong, physical forward with a high motor that can impact the game on both ends. He entered his freshman season as a first-round talent, but then emerged as one of the best prospects in this entire class.
Not only does he have great positional height, but Walker’s wingspan is over 7-foot-2 at this point. He’s disruptive on defense, blocking a ton of shots and generating turnovers. It’s not just his length that helps him defensively, he’s also got a great natural feel on that end of the floor. Walker’s defensive instincts should translate well as he continues to progress in his basketball career.
What’s most impressive about Walker is how versatile and aware of his role that he is. He’s proven to be effective playing whatever role the team needs and doing whatever sets them up to win. Players that are moldable and self aware often find success as they’re able to fit into many lineups and rotations.
Offensively, Walker loves to operate in the mid-post. Once he catches the ball, he’s got a variety of moves he can use as he faces up. Whether it’s getting to the rim or shooting from the midrange, the 6-foot-8 forward is effective. Walker loves the turnaround fade shot from 15 feet away, which has turned into one of his go-to looks.
While it was unclear how his jumper would translate at the college level, he was effective in the midrange and beyond the arc, which is one of the reasons his draft stock has skyrocketed. The release itself is somewhat slow, but given he's a forward with time to improve on that front means there's not reason for concern.
Although he’s physically gifted and very athletic, he'll need to improve his handle if he wants to be a more perimeter oriented player moving forward. The ability to operate on the wing will be a swing factor as it relates to his future draft positioning.
Regardless, Walker is an extremely powerful prospect and an effective scorer. He makes the most of every offensive opportunity and shoots a very high percentage from the floor. Teams love shot blocking forwards that don’t need the ball in their hands every play to make an impact. Walker fits that mold, thriving as a player that helps his team win with plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet. One thing that sticks out positively for Walker is his ability to hit teammates in stride with long outlet passes in transition.
He’ll be one of the most physically ready rookies in the league next season and shouldn’t have any problem playing from day one. Walker projects to be a high upside defender that fits the modern style of play. He moves his feet extremely well for his size, blending quickness and strength on that end of the floor.
The talented forward was injured most of his junior year of high school, but bounced back last season as a senior and emerged as one of the top players in the country.
On a loaded roster at IMG Academy, Walker played with four other ESPN Top 100 prospects in Keyonte George (Baylor), Jaden Bradley (Alabama), Jett Howard (Michigan) and A.J. Storr (St. John’s). Walker spent all four of his high school years at IMG, playing many roles along the way and is used to being on the big stage
Walker is truly built like a football player, and was actually recruited by the football coaches at IMG to become a two-sport athlete. He has the ability to bully opposing players on the court and uses his strength in many situations.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Top Five Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
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