Walter Clayton Jr
Moderators: Duke4life831, Marcus
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Veteran
- Posts: 2,838
- And1: 939
- Joined: Mar 11, 2012
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
I could be wrong, been plenty of times before but I would draft him pretty high. I don't think his age matters a ton, less development left sure, but he isn't physically bullying younger players, he just has a great handle, pretty athletic and can score at a high level, decent passer.
I don't see why he couldn't translate this to the next level, see some Jamal Murray to his game.
I don't see why he couldn't translate this to the next level, see some Jamal Murray to his game.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 10,822
- And1: 2,305
- Joined: May 20, 2009
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
EMG518 wrote:I could be wrong, been plenty of times before but I would draft him pretty high. I don't think his age matters a ton, less development left sure, but he isn't physically bullying younger players, he just has a great handle, pretty athletic and can score at a high level, decent passer.
I don't see why he couldn't translate this to the next level, see some Jamal Murray to his game.
Agreed on him playing a bit like Murray. I wanted the Wolves to be able to get him at 31, now it seems like he won't even be there at 17.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
- JMAC3
- RealGM
- Posts: 13,018
- And1: 6,061
- Joined: May 22, 2010
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
I think you are hoping he can be a Fred Van Vleet type of player, thick enough on defense to hold up even at a shorter number and be able to hit enough threes to make him a big plus on offense. FVV wasn't really a true PG when he first broke through with Rockets, could see similar route for Clayton but that would be a road that hasn't been traveled a ton as an older, undersized player.
I think he probably slots in around 20 for the right team, Maybe Miami or latter of Magic picks.
I think he probably slots in around 20 for the right team, Maybe Miami or latter of Magic picks.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Starter
- Posts: 2,280
- And1: 1,890
- Joined: Jan 25, 2025
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
JMAC3 wrote:I think you are hoping he can be a Fred Van Vleet type of player, thick enough on defense to hold up even at a shorter number and be able to hit enough threes to make him a big plus on offense. FVV wasn't really a true PG when he first broke through with Rockets, could see similar route for Clayton but that would be a road that hasn't been traveled a ton as an older, undersized player.
I think he probably slots in around 20 for the right team, Maybe Miami or latter of Magic picks.
I think Dallas at #11 is possible but realistically he falls between 16/17 with Orlando/Minnesota (good fit on both squads) and won't get by Orlando at #25.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Veteran
- Posts: 2,838
- And1: 939
- Joined: Mar 11, 2012
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
JMAC3 wrote:I think you are hoping he can be a Fred Van Vleet type of player, thick enough on defense to hold up even at a shorter number and be able to hit enough threes to make him a big plus on offense. FVV wasn't really a true PG when he first broke through with Rockets, could see similar route for Clayton but that would be a road that hasn't been traveled a ton as an older, undersized player.
I think he probably slots in around 20 for the right team, Maybe Miami or latter of Magic picks.
FVV and Murray are two of the guys that came to mind for me, he is definitely taller than FVV though and has some hops.
Watching these playoffs, there are so many teams with guys in there rotations who I cringe every time I see them with the ball. He can definitely play in the league, he can shoot, he is tough, can play on/off ball, can be okay defensively.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Junior
- Posts: 312
- And1: 329
- Joined: Sep 30, 2020
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
basketballRob wrote:Napier was 6' without shoes. Clayton is 6'2.5", without shoes. Clayton also has 20-25 lbs on Napier.DowJones wrote:Is he a lottery pick now? Is he a better prospect than Shabazz Napier was?
Clayton has been incredibly impressive during the NCAA Tournament. He’s a lights-out shooter, but what stands out is his ability to drive to the rim and create contact. At 6'3", he has good size with a football background, which adds to his appeal. That’s what makes me believe he’s a better NBA prospect than Shabazz Napier, especially if Clayton is truly 6'3"—I believe Napier was only 6'1.
The local beat writer is pushing for Orlando to draft him. Clayton grew up about 40 miles from Orlando. I think Orlando will pick him with the Denver pick, not the 16th.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM Forums mobile app
Napier was 5-11 without shoes at the combine FWIW.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,212
- And1: 2,406
- Joined: Aug 11, 2021
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
basketballRob wrote:Napier was 6' without shoes. Clayton is 6'2.5", without shoes. Clayton also has 20-25 lbs on Napier.DowJones wrote:Is he a lottery pick now? Is he a better prospect than Shabazz Napier was?
Clayton has been incredibly impressive during the NCAA Tournament. He’s a lights-out shooter, but what stands out is his ability to drive to the rim and create contact. At 6'3", he has good size with a football background, which adds to his appeal. That’s what makes me believe he’s a better NBA prospect than Shabazz Napier, especially if Clayton is truly 6'3"—I believe Napier was only 6'1.
The local beat writer is pushing for Orlando to draft him. Clayton grew up about 40 miles from Orlando. I think Orlando will pick him with the Denver pick, not the 16th.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM Forums mobile app
he measured a very generous 6'2" without shoes. When I evaluate him I'm left wondering if he's actually potentially a PG but wasn't necessarily playing that role due to his team needing different things from him, similar to McCain. Because if like McCain, he's able to run an offense, I think that has to increase his draft stock.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 18,086
- And1: 8,273
- Joined: Jan 21, 2017
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
FarBeyondDriven wrote:he measured a very generous 6'2" without shoes.
What do you mean by this?
Did he measure 6'2" or not? (It's a number, not an opinion)
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,212
- And1: 2,406
- Joined: Aug 11, 2021
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Skybox wrote:FarBeyondDriven wrote:he measured a very generous 6'2" without shoes.
What do you mean by this?
Did he measure 6'2" or not? (It's a number, not an opinion)
yes, his "official" measurement was 6'2"
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 18,086
- And1: 8,273
- Joined: Jan 21, 2017
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
FarBeyondDriven wrote:Skybox wrote:FarBeyondDriven wrote:he measured a very generous 6'2" without shoes.
What do you mean by this?
Did he measure 6'2" or not? (It's a number, not an opinion)
yes, his "official" measurement was 6'2"
6'2" no quotation marks needed. It's real...I'm not understanding the shady implications. It's a measurement.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,212
- And1: 2,406
- Joined: Aug 11, 2021
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Skybox wrote:FarBeyondDriven wrote:Skybox wrote:
What do you mean by this?
Did he measure 6'2" or not? (It's a number, not an opinion)
yes, his "official" measurement was 6'2"
6'2" no quotation marks needed. It's real...I'm not understanding the shady implications. It's a measurement.
nah, they're needed. If you can't see that the NBA embellishes heights (round up to 1/4 inch increments) and certain hairstyles can account for 1/2 inch plus then I don't know what to tell ya. You going to be okay though? That I think he's shorter than 6'2"? Is it "shady"?

Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 18,086
- And1: 8,273
- Joined: Jan 21, 2017
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
FarBeyondDriven wrote:Skybox wrote:FarBeyondDriven wrote:
yes, his "official" measurement was 6'2"
6'2" no quotation marks needed. It's real...I'm not understanding the shady implications. It's a measurement.
nah, they're needed. If you can't see that the NBA embellishes heights (round up to 1/4 inch increments) and certain hairstyles can account for 1/2 inch plus then I don't know what to tell ya. You going to be okay though? That I think he's shorter than 6'2"? Is it "shady"?
I'm okay...just wondering wtf you're talking about with all the wink wink silliness...teams embellish measures, the NBA combine does not

Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- General Manager
- Posts: 9,765
- And1: 5,474
- Joined: Jul 01, 2014
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Nothing screams starter. That said, guys like him usually don't bust and they improve a ton in their 2nd contract and that's where their value is best at. Not the 1st contract and they usually go to bad fits but eventually end up in good fits.
Bust potential is low but it's best to avoid him in a draft like this. Ideally, he would like to go to Boston or OKC. Big guards around him that allow him to play his game and don't have to do too much.
Bust potential is low but it's best to avoid him in a draft like this. Ideally, he would like to go to Boston or OKC. Big guards around him that allow him to play his game and don't have to do too much.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- General Manager
- Posts: 9,765
- And1: 5,474
- Joined: Jul 01, 2014
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
ReggiesKnicks wrote:Walter Clayton Jr is the safer version of Reed Sheppard. Similar size (Clayton Jr. has a slightly larger frame imo but similar heights), Clayton Jr is more experienced and should be able to make an impact from day 1 compared to some of the guards of the past couple of seasons (Dillingham, Sheppard, Carrington, Scoot, George).
I wouldn't be surprised if he sneaks into the Top 7 or 8.
Reed PG skills is why Reed potential is very high and we all knew he needed time
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,212
- And1: 2,406
- Joined: Aug 11, 2021
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Skybox wrote:FarBeyondDriven wrote:Skybox wrote:
6'2" no quotation marks needed. It's real...I'm not understanding the shady implications. It's a measurement.
nah, they're needed. If you can't see that the NBA embellishes heights (round up to 1/4 inch increments) and certain hairstyles can account for 1/2 inch plus then I don't know what to tell ya. You going to be okay though? That I think he's shorter than 6'2"? Is it "shady"?
I'm okay...just wondering wtf you're talking about with all the wink wink silliness...teams embellish measures, the NBA combine does not
I couldn't possibly spell it out for you any better. Maybe I'm just silly and every prospect just magically measures in 1/4 inch increments and maybe they use a laser to burn through hair so it's measured by the top of the skull instead of top of the hair?
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Pro Prospect
- Posts: 836
- And1: 215
- Joined: Jul 19, 2008
- Location: Just South of Rip City
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
After watching some more extended film on him, consider me wary on his NBA prospects. He's pretty underdeveloped as a ball handler and passer for NBA pg standards and seems to make a couple really puzzling decisions per game that would drive NBA coaches crazy. I also don't think he's great without a screen outside of getting to his pull and side step 3's.
Not saying he has no chance but the exceptions to the rule for 6'3" and under senior guards where mostly all better table setters than he's shown.
Not saying he has no chance but the exceptions to the rule for 6'3" and under senior guards where mostly all better table setters than he's shown.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 35,411
- And1: 13,630
- Joined: May 05, 2014
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Portland likes the seniors who are 6'3" and under. You know, like CJ and Dame.RipCity71252 wrote:After watching some more extended film on him, consider me wary on his NBA prospects. He's pretty underdeveloped as a ball handler and passer for NBA pg standards and seems to make a couple really puzzling decisions per game that would drive NBA coaches crazy. I also don't think he's great without a screen outside of getting to his pull and side step 3's.
Not saying he has no chance but the exceptions to the rule for 6'3" and under senior guards where mostly all better table setters than he's shown.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Pro Prospect
- Posts: 836
- And1: 215
- Joined: Jul 19, 2008
- Location: Just South of Rip City
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
basketballRob wrote:Portland likes the seniors who are 6'3" and under. You know, like CJ and Dame.RipCity71252 wrote:After watching some more extended film on him, consider me wary on his NBA prospects. He's pretty underdeveloped as a ball handler and passer for NBA pg standards and seems to make a couple really puzzling decisions per game that would drive NBA coaches crazy. I also don't think he's great without a screen outside of getting to his pull and side step 3's.
Not saying he has no chance but the exceptions to the rule for 6'3" and under senior guards where mostly all better table setters than he's shown.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Thank you for reminding me..

Walter is more than a few steps down as prospect and both were better passers/decision makers, ball handlers and scorers.
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- RealGM
- Posts: 35,411
- And1: 13,630
- Joined: May 05, 2014
-
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
Oh, they had similar stats. Clayton played in a much tougher conference the last 2 seasons.RipCity71252 wrote:basketballRob wrote:Portland likes the seniors who are 6'3" and under. You know, like CJ and Dame.RipCity71252 wrote:After watching some more extended film on him, consider me wary on his NBA prospects. He's pretty underdeveloped as a ball handler and passer for NBA pg standards and seems to make a couple really puzzling decisions per game that would drive NBA coaches crazy. I also don't think he's great without a screen outside of getting to his pull and side step 3's.
Not saying he has no chance but the exceptions to the rule for 6'3" and under senior guards where mostly all better table setters than he's shown.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Thank you for reminding me..![]()
Walter is more than a few steps down as prospect and both were better passers/decision makers, ball handlers and scorers.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
-
- Pro Prospect
- Posts: 836
- And1: 215
- Joined: Jul 19, 2008
- Location: Just South of Rip City
Re: Walter Clayton Jr
basketballRob wrote:Oh, they had similar stats. Clayton played in a much tougher conference the last 2 seasons.RipCity71252 wrote:basketballRob wrote:Portland likes the seniors who are 6'3" and under. You know, like CJ and Dame.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Thank you for reminding me..![]()
Walter is more than a few steps down as prospect and both were better passers/decision makers, ball handlers and scorers.
Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app
Oh you're high high on him.
We'll see.