The latest buzz from ESPN’s mock draft points to the Boston Celtics potentially picking up Florida’s seasoned point guard, Walter Clayton Jr., as their 28th choice in the upcoming NBA Draft. This is quite the leap for Clayton, who, prior to the NCAA tournament, wasn’t even on ESPN’s radar for a second-round pick.
Clayton’s impressive climb in the draft standings is largely credited to his stellar performances during Florida’s NCAA tournament journey. He dropped an impressive 30 and 34 points in the Elite Eight and Final Four, playing with remarkable efficiency, and played a pivotal role in steering the Gators to secure the national championship. Standing at 6-foot-4, Clayton caught the spotlight with his knack for crucial score-making, earning him first-team All-America honors.
Despite his scoring talents, NBA teams have a few reservations about him. Concerns revolve around his defensive play, passing acumen, and basketball intellect. Critics note that he can be prone to errors and doesn’t possess outstanding physical attributes, with average size, length, and strength. Observers have likened his standout tournament stint to Shabazz Napier’s a decade back, although they acknowledge that Clayton is taller and more dynamic, yet describe him as somewhat unpredictable.
Throughout his senior year, Clayton consistently showcased his shooting prowess. He managed to sink 38.6 percent of his 303 shots from beyond the arc and had an impressive 87.5 percent success rate from the free-throw line. Overall, his true shooting percentage for the season stood at an impressive 61.1 percent.
