Suns grab Florida basketball star Walter Clayton Jr. in latest CBS Sports mock draft
Former Florida basketball guard Walter Clayton Jr. is projected to be drafted by the Phoenix Suns with the 29th overall pick in CBS Sports' latest NBA mock draft.
Clayton is coming off one of the most decorated seasons in program history. The 6-foot-2-inch guard set a single-season school record with 713 points, captured Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors and shot 38.6% from three-point range while leading Florida to a national championship.
CBS Sports' Gary Parrish praised Clayton's "unique shot-making profile," noting that the former Iona transfer averaged 22.3 points and hit 43.5 percent from beyond the arc over six NCAA Tournament games.
Phoenix could view Clayton as a potential instant-offense option off the bench, thanks to his deep range and proven clutch gene. His winning polished game and winning pedigree also make him an attractive selection during the late first-round window.
Here is everything Parrish said about Clayton and why he thinks the Suns will draft him in the 2025 NBA draft.
What CBS Sports said about Clayton
"Clayton was the star of Florida's national title run while averaging 22.3 points on 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc in those six NCAA Tournament games. There are concerns about his decision-making and approach to defense, but the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Final Four is such a skilled and unique shotmaker that he's worthy of a serious look this deep in the first round by a Phoenix franchise that probably needs to hit the reset button."
CBS Sports' 2025 NBA mock draft top 10 picks
Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, SF, Duke Blue Devils San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Philadelphia 76ers: Tre Johnson, SG, Texas Longhorns Charlotte Hornets: VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor Bears Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, SF, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma Sooners New Orleans Pelicans: Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke Blue Devils Brooklyn Nets: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke Blue Devils Toronto Raptors: Derik Queen, C, Maryland Terrapins Houston Rockets: Carter Bryant, SF, Arizona Wildcats
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