The Boston Celtics are projected to select Florida senior point guard Walter Clayton Jr. with the 28th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, according to ESPN's latest mock draft. Before the start of the NCAA tournament, Clayton wasn't in ESPN's mock draft as even a second round pick.
Clayton significantly boosted his draft stock during Florida's NCAA tournament run, delivering 30 and 34 points in efficient performances during the Elite Eight and Final Four before helping the Gators win the national championship. The 6-foot-4 guard earned first-team All-America honors for his shotmaking ability and scoring prowess in clutch situations.
NBA teams have expressed concerns about Clayton's defense, passing abilities, and basketball IQ, noting that he can be mistake-prone and lacks exceptional physical tools with his average size, length, and strength. Scouts have drawn comparisons between Clayton's tournament performance and Shabazz Napier's run a decade ago, though they consider Clayton taller and more explosive but "more mercurial."
As a senior, Clayton continued to demonstrate his shooting ability, connecting on 38.6 percent of his 303 three-point attempts while shooting 87.5 percent from the free throw line. His true shooting percentage for the season was 61.1 percent.
