As the Gators ended their championship game drought spanning nearly two decades, at the center of it was Walter Clayton Jr. Uber efficient, he led Florida in scoring, averaging 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on a 44.6% field goal percentage. Clayton Jr. is built for the bright lights, and he has proven it time and again. Adept at knocking down shots from beyond the arc, the sharpshooter also led the Gators in 3-point percentage, making 38.5% of his threes.

While it is abundantly clear Walter Clayton Jr. belongs in the NBA, finding the right fit is of utmost importance.

5 Teams eyeing Walter Clayton Jr. in the draft

1. Philadelphia 76ers

With a projected 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sixers would hope to improve on their fortunes by adding Walter Clayton Jr. to their ranks. Already possessing lethal guards in Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes, adding the undersized guard would further solidify their backcourt, creating defensive challenges for their opposition.

Another factor that makes this acquisition a good fit, if Joel Embiid does return to the Sixers, is the spacing Clayton Jr. will inevitably add to the floor and also benefiting from the gravity of Embiid and Maxey.

2. Orlando Magic

Magic will be looking to build on their existing young core of All-Star Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs with their late first-round to early first-round pick. But they will also look to add shooting and playmaking. While Clayton Jr. hasn’t been the best in decision-making, he made 40% of his 3s off the catch in the 2024-25 season.

The Florida Gator guard could add to the depth as a perimeter shooter, which would in turn provide Banchero more space to attack the rim.

3. Utah Jazz

With the Jazz placed 15th in the Western conference, they would be looking to improve their squad any way they can. Playing alongside Keyonte George, a sharpshooting guard himself, Walter Clayton Jr. would add to their guard rotations. Already boasting a frontcourt of Walker Kessler and All-Star Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz certainly don’t lack quality. Adding Clayton Jr. would also create options when they need points in the clutch.

4. San Antonio Spurs

Pairing Clayton Jr. with Wembanyama would make sense given Wemby draws a lot of attention in the paint, creating space on the perimeter. A versatile fearless shooter, the guard can add to the solid core moving forward, which already boasts the likes of Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson.

5. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics broke the Warriors’ 2016 record of most 3-pointers in a season, just ahead of the 2025 play-ins. Acquiring Clayton Jr. would mean adding another shooter to the pre-existing sniper cell in Massachusetts while also adding to an already solid backcourt consisting of multiple two-way guards. Playing alongside Jrue Holiday and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, Clayton Jr. would have ample time to develop in the league as the Boston Celtics appear in no hurry to strengthen their squad.

Clayton Jr. has the qualities to develop into an elite two-way guard in the league moving forward but his development would be key to the process, which team drafts him would be key to this.