May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the first half of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic Eyeing Donovan Mitchell Clone In Draft

Originally posted on Orlando Magic on SI
By Don Strouble | Last updated May 21, 2025 7:21 AM ET

Mock drafts are linking Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. to the Orlando Magic with the 25th pick. Even Gators head coach Todd Golden has said the Magic "really like" the 22-year-old. Recently, Clayton Jr. and 12 other draft prospects spoke to The Athletic about players they compare themselves to in the NBA.

Clayton Jr. didn't have a direct comparison for his game, but Donovan Mitchell came to mind as Clayton Jr. plans to have a floater in his arsenal on the professional stage.

"I don't have, like, any direct comp. I just talk about taking bits and pieces from other players' games," Clayton Jr. said. "You got (Jalen) Brunson, just with his patience in the paint. He gets down there, plays off two feet, uses all of his space. (Jrue) Holiday just beats people to spots on defense, and his IQ."

"And a floater definitely will be a big part of my game at the next level, so Donovan Mitchell. He is just great with all the Euros, the hop-steps and the footwork getting to that floater," he added.

13 points in the first quarter for Donovan Mitchell

(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/SLjxjgOR05
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 13, 2025

Clayton Jr. took the national stage by force, leading Florida to its first national title since 2007. In the tournament, Clayton Jr. averaged 22.3 points while converting on 43.5 percent from deep.