NBA Draft Scouting Report: Florida's Walter Clayton

Scouting Report: Walter Clayton

Dec 4, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) smiles while sitting on the floor after making a three point basket against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

1. Player Info
2. Prospect Profile
3. Highlights
4. Draft Projection
5. 2025 Big Board

Player Info

Walter Clayton

Guard | Florida

Height: 6'3” | Weight: 195 lbs

2025 Draft Age: 22.30

Nov 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) drives the ball past Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Hunter Sallis (23) in the first half at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Prospect Profile

After two years at Iona, Clayton transferred to Florida where he has thrived as one of the most impactful guards in the SEC. He isn’t the biggest from a height perspective relative to modern guards, but he is well-built and can still create advantages.

Clayton is an impressive scorer who can get hot in a hurry. While he still needs to improve as an overall facilitator for others, he’s developed into a true playmaker. He can create for himself, but also has the ability to enhance the offense off-ball. The Florida guard is an improved passer, which has opened the door to NBA teams believing more in his ability to play either guard spot at the next level. Clayton is also a solid positional rebounder. 

But what makes him so special is his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. While his shooting efficiency from deep isn’t jaw-dropping — mostly due to shot difficulty and distance — he knocks down a ton of triples on high volume. He’s also a great free throw shooter and everything indicates his overall shooting will translate moving forward. 

On the defensive end, what Clayton lacks in height, he makes up for with quick hands, a strong frame, and the ability to hold his own against bigger players. He may struggle at times against the NBA’s jumbo off-ball guards and wings, but he will always give great effort and has a reliable motor.

Clayton is a former three-star recruit who has shown steady improvement in each of his four college seasons. He went from a bench player at a smaller school to a primary piece at a prominent program. Clayton is a very good athlete with the shooting acumen and secondary creation upside to be worth a second-round pick.

Highlights

Draft Projection

Potential Second-Round Pick in 2025 NBA Draft.

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2025 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2025 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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