NBA Draft Scouting Report: Memphis' Jaykwon Walton
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Jaykwon Walton
Guard | Memphis
Height: 6'7” | Weight: 206 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 22.94
Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal-USA TODAY NETWORK
Prospect Profile
Walton has played for several teams during his college campaign, starting at Georgia, then a year at the junior college level, followed by a breakout season at Wichita State. Now, he’s set to compete at Memphis in the upcoming season.
A jumbo guard/wing, Walton’s two seasons at Georgia comprised of just 53 total minutes on the court. As such, his first real minutes at the Division I level came last season with the Shockers. He led the team in scoring, doing it efficiently as well. He led the AAC in both field goal and true shooting percentage.
This was also his first real opportunity to showcase his shooting upside on a big stage, as he knocked down 40% of his nearly five attempts per game. Walton really got it going late, as he showed dramatic improvement as season went on which is promising. In what was his first Division I season playing significant minutes, he truly broke out.
To take that next step, he will need to improve as a primary playmaker, especially for others. He notched a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season, so Walton will need to get better in that respect if he wants the ball in his hands more at the next level. Either way he doesn’t project to be a lead guard, but rather an off-ball perimeter player with the ability to facilitate when needed.
Walton is an older prospect and will be 23 years old during his rookie season if he does go in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has the tools to be a versatile player on both ends — especially defensively — with his size, but needs more reps against high level competition. A former four-star recruit, the talent is there for Walton, but some off-court issues have made his situation interesting especially as it related to his transfer portal period this summer. Regardless, he has a real chance to emerge as a draft pick if he plays well on a good Memphis team this season.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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