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NBA Mock Draft Predicts Florida's Walter Clayton Jr. Will Join $224 Million Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 6:19 PM ET

A major reason why the Florida Gators are playing for a national championship is Walter Clayton Jr., which has also helped the guard's NBA draft stock rise. Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Clayton was widely viewed as a potential second-round pick.

Clayton's play during March Madness has prompted the guard to boost himself into the first-round conversation ahead of the 2025 NBA draft.

Going into the national title matchup against the Houston Cougars, Clayton is averaging 18.5 points, 4.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from long range in 39 appearances during the 2024-25 season.

There is one NBA team that would be a perfect fit for Clayton.

Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor's latest NBA mock draft has the Orlando Magic selecting Clayton with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round. With the Magic's massive need for playmaking and shooting, it is difficult to imagine a better fit for Clayton than Orlando.

.@RealJayWilliams and @SethOnHoops on Walter Clayton Jr.'s play in the NCAA tournament

"A lot of scouts are starting to firmly believe that he could crack the top 10. ... I could make a case that he could be the second or third pick in the NBA draft." pic.twitter.com/jLRz3WnKZB
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 7, 2025

"After selecting (Liam) McNeeley earlier in the first round (No. 16 pick), here’s another shooter for the Magic: the best shooter so far in March," O'Connor wrote on April 4. "Clayton has hit some of the clutchest shots we’ve seen in the tournament, looking like Steph Lite.

"Though his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect, Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment. And that’s precisely what the Magic need."

On Walter Clayton's NBA stock. I've been high throughout process, had him in the top-45 since I think December:

Love him as a scorer. Way more flexible than he gets credit for on drives, IMO. ?s on D and as passer. Ball-screens reads aren't always greathttps://t.co/yh7RTCzM4q
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 6, 2025

The addition of Clayton would provide Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero with some much needed help offensively. Wagner signed a five-year, $224 million contract extension during the 2024 offseason that is slated to run through the 2029-30 NBA season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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