Walter Clayton Jr., a standout guard from the Florida Gators, gets measured, tested, and scrutinized before making the leap to the pros. Yesterday, Draft Express shared Clayton’s official combines numbers: 6’2” barefoot, 199 pounds, with a 6’4” wingspan and an 8’1 ½” standing reach.
A 6’4” wingspan is essentially neutral relative to his height, which is shorter than what NBA teams typically prefer for guards who need to defend multiple positions. So, who in the NBA does Clayton’s frame compare to, and what does this mean for his future?
Jalen Brunson
One name that immediately comes to mind is Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks’ star point guard. Brunson, who stands at 6’2” in shoes with a 6’4” wingspan, has nearly identical measurements to Clayton.
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine:
6’2″ barefoot, 199 lbs with a 6’4” wingspan and 8’1 ½” standing reach pic.twitter.com/XHD0djZIUr
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025
Brunson’s success in the NBA offers a blueprint for how Clayton might carve out a role. Like Clayton, Brunson isn’t a lockdown defender, but he’s competent, strong, and skilled enough to hold his own.
Interestingly, Clayton’s former coach at Iona, Rick Pitino, made this comparison himself. Now at St. John’s, Pitino coached Clayton during his first two college seasons. He even projected Clayton as a first-round pick, arguing that his scoring ability and toughness outweigh any concerns about his wingspan.
Steph Curry
Another intriguing comparison is Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ generational shooter. Curry measured 6’2” barefoot at the 2009 combine, with a 6’3 ½” wingspan, even shorter than Clayton’s.
Despite his slight frame and lack of length, Curry became a two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion by leaning into his elite shooting and ball-handling. Clayton could mitigate defensive concerns if he refines his shot selection and develops Curry-like creativity.
Jamal Murray
A more balanced comparison might be Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets’ star guard. Murray, who stands 6’4” with a 6’7” wingspan, has slightly better measurements than Clayton but faced similar questions about his defensive upside coming out of Kentucky in 2016.
Murray’s wingspan isn’t elite, but his 205-pound frame and 6’4” height allow him to guard both guard spots.
What’s Next for Clayton?
Walter Clayton Jr.’s 6’2” frame and 6’4” wingspan won’t make him a defensive stopper, but they don’t have to. The NBA has shown that guards with neutral or shorter wingspans can thrive if their offensive game is strong enough. Brunson, Curry, and Murray are proof of that.
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The key for Clayton will be landing in the right system. A team with a strong defensive infrastructure, like the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics, could help mask his defensive limitations while letting his scoring shine.
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