As the Florida Gators claimed their third national title, Walter Clayton Jr.’s name resonated. Clayton’s performance in the NCAA Tournament elevated his draft stock, with outlets now projecting him as a first-round pick.
Walter Clayton Jr. is projected to land in Boston, according to ESPN’s latest mock draft. What will the Florida guard bring to the NBA? While he lacks significant size or exceptional athleticism, his Most Outstanding Player award from the tournament has caught the attention of scouts. ESPN’s latest mock draft places him as a first-round selection.
What Would the Boston Celtics Be Getting From Walter Clayton Jr.?
Florida superstar Walter Clayton Jr. averaged a team-high 22.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, including a 34-point performance in the Final Four victory over Auburn, highlighting his scoring prowess.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo project the Boston Celtics to select Clayton at No. 28 overall in the first round.
“Clayton significantly improved his draft standing in the NCAA Tournament, posting efficient 30- and 34-point games in the Elite Eight and national championship semifinals before struggling in the final but still contributing to his team’s championship win,” Givony writes.
“The 6-foot-4 guard earned first-team All-America honors with his tremendous shot-making ability and all-around scoring, making crucial plays in clutch moments throughout the season while creating problems for opposing defenses with his speed and unpredictability.”
Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. is now viewed by NBA teams as a first-round pick drawing comparisons to a bigger Shabazz Napier, per @DraftExpress (https://t.co/XtoYs6C8Xp).
Clayton was slotted to the Celtics at No. 28 overall in ESPN’s latest mock draft. pic.twitter.com/KLsVAoboPv
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 8, 2025
“NBA teams have questions about Clayton’s defense, passing, and feel for the game, as he can be mistake-prone on both ends of the floor and isn’t blessed with great physical tools with his average size, length, and strength,” the DraftExpress report states.
“Scouts are comparing his NCAA tournament performance with Shabazz Napier a decade ago, which similarly earned him a spot in the late first round, though Clayton is taller and more explosive, but also a little more mercurial.”
Clayton spent two seasons at Iona before transferring to Florida. As a freshman, he averaged 7.3 points per game. In his sophomore year, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game and was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Year.
In his junior year at Florida, Clayton averaged 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists and was selected to the Second-Team All-SEC. At the end of that season, Clayton declared for the NBA Draft but later withdrew to return for his senior season.
WATCH: Walter Clayton Jr.’s Hilarious Moment With Florida Mascot After Florida Wins Championship
In the 2024-25 season, he led the Gators to a 27-4 regular-season record while averaging 17.2 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. He also helped Florida win its third national championship.
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