After two years at Iona and two at Florida, Walter Clayton Jr. looks poised for the NBA at the end of the Gators’ NCAA tournament run.
Standing 6’3” and 195 pounds, Clayton Jr. will be on the smaller side of NBA guards but will try to make that up with his play-making ability. A good defender and rebounder with an ability to hit outside shots, Clayton Jr. is currently slated to be a second-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Here are five potential landing spots for the Florida senior.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s Five Best Fits
Utah Jazz
Clayton Jr.’s ability to drive and make plays has put scouts on watch. The Jazz are a team full of size, with 7’ Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen manning the inside; they can spare a few inches at the guard position — as they’ve shown they’re willing to with 6’3” Collin Sexton.
Miami Heat
This feels like a natural fit for Clayton Jr., given his ability to defend and rebound. While he would have to bulk up a bit to fit into an NBA frame, his commitment to winning and leadership ability would fit perfectly with “Heat Culture.”
Golden State Warriors
What better team to take on a talented shooter than the Warriors? With their quick ball movement and shooting ability, Clayton Jr. would be less hampered by his size, working together with the inventors of the “small ball.” The Warriors like to switch on defense, and with stars Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green both ready to carry the load, he could learn a lot off the bench.
Phoenix Suns
A star-studded Phoenix team may be looking to blow everything up and restart this summer. But if they don’t, Clayton Jr. could be a solid addition to the bench of their fast-paced lineup. His defensive ability on the wing is a much-needed addition for the Suns, who have struggled with depth this year.
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Boston Celtics
No team likes to shoot the deep ball more than the Celtics, with almost 50 attempts per game this year. Clayton Jr. — who has drawn Bryn Forbes comparisons — could become a reliable three-point shooter on a team that already has some of the best depth in the league.
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