Draft experts offer fresh predictions for Walter Clayton Jr. based on new intel
The biggest question for the Gator Nation has been where its star guard, Walter Clayton Jr,. will land this summer. It is a foregone conclusion that he will be among the first 30 players selected in the draft, but by whom?
ESPN's draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo published their final mock draft based on recent trades and new intel, and have Clayton going to the New Orleans Pelicans with the 23rd pick via the Indiana Pacers.
"Clayton has showcased his dynamic shotmaking in workouts and worked his way up boards in a first round that has shaped up somewhat light on point guard options. He has fans in front offices selecting higher than this, with scenarios in play in which he lands in the top 20. His explosiveness and ability to create his own shot are strong calling cards that should give him a pathway to being a useful bench scorer, at worst," Woo begins.
"Minnesota, Miami and Atlanta are considered potential suitors. If Clayton becomes available here, he would be a potential plug-and-play option for a team that could use additional backcourt shooting," he continues.
"The Pelicans have been highly active under Joe Dumars thus far, trading CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards on Tuesday in a deal that brought back Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in this draft. They acquired this pick from Indiana last week, sending the Pacers' 2026 first-rounder back to them to move back into the draft. That decision to trade with the Pacers raised the question among rival teams as to whether the Pelicans would dangle this pick to try to move up from No. 7, but New Orleans is thought to have genuine interest in several players in this range."
The 6-foot-2-inch, 199-pound senior guard amassed 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game last season, while posting a 44.8% mark from the floor overall, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the charity stripe.
Clayton's teammate, fellow guard Alijah Martin, is projected to be selected with the 52nd pick acquired from the Denver Nuggets in the second round by the Phoenix Suns.
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