Walter Clayton Jr. feels like a player with a ton to prove as the NBA Combine gets underway. Even after leading the Florida Gators to a national title, very few mock drafts have Clayton pegged as a Lottery Pick, even though there are analysts out there who claim they would take him in the top five.
But in reality, it would almost benefit Clayton not to be a Lottery Pick as there is one NBA team he keeps getting linked to that would be a perfect match for both parties.
Florida Basketball Star Walter Clayton Jr. Could Stay Home
ESPN put out a mock draft following the draft order being set after the Lottery on Monday night. Dallas was rewarded for making poor choices in life with the number one overall pick, which will get used on Cooper Flagg.
With the 25th pick in the draft, ESPN's Jeremy Woo envisions the Orlando Magic taking Clayton.
Of Clayton, they said:
"He projects as a potential microwave bench scorer, capable of putting up points quickly as a change-of-pace guard. His lack of size, defensive struggles and limited playmaking skills are drawbacks, but there are teams that might benefit from adding him to their bench mix next season."
This is far from the first mock draft that has tried to link Clayton with the Magic. Beyond the geography that would enable Clayton to stay close to home, the Magic need someone who can complement Paolo Banchero to put the ball in the basket.
While Franz Wagner is a solid complement, and Jalen Suggs was serviceable before he got hurt, most seem to agree that Orlando needs a shot creator after the Magic were the worst three-point shooting team in the league in 2024/25. Additionally, Orlando was a team that struggled in transition despite being a team that generated a decent amount of steals.
And while Orlando could also try and find a guy to fill that role in free agency, one also has to factor in that the Magic are slated for a huge increase in payroll next season, and as of now, will be going from the 2nd lowest payroll in the NBA to the 11th highest.
Add it all together, and a rookie contract from Clayton seems custom-tailored to what the Magic need.
Since Orlando figures to be a team that competes for a deeper playoff run in 2025/26, they might be a team that Clayton needs too.