Could Walter Clayton Jr. Head To Miami?

After the horn sounded and orange and blue confetti rained in San Antonio earlier this month, the focus of the Florida Gators’ key contributors quickly shifted onto the road ahead.

Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Will Richard, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu have all entered their names into the 2025 NBA Draft.

Scouts from all around the league have kept a close eye on Florida throughout the historic 36-win season. Now, it’s time for the Gators to prepare to hear their names called on draft night in June.

A No-Doubter

For Florida, there is likely only one first-rounder in the mix: Walter Clayton Jr. The guard from Lake Wales became a national sensation during his senior season. He earned a sweep of First-Team All American honors and was named the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

A host of NBA teams will be fighting for his services on June 25.

Clayton Jr. has soared up draft boards, now sitting in the mid-teens to early twenties across multiple mocks. The big question for many, though, comes not with his skill, but his age.

The Scouting Report

In the modern NBA, it is near impossible to be a lottery pick over the age of 20. Clayton is 22 years old. For comparison, projected top pick Cooper Flagg will be Clayton’s age now at the tail end of his rookie contract.

That said, Clayton is a unique case. He took his game to the next level with the trust given to him by UF coach Todd Golden. He holsters an elite 3-point shot, silky off-ball movement, an underrated layup bag and a knack for drawing contact and scoring at the line.

Tack on improvements defensively (sorry, Emanuel Sharp) and a lack of pulse in big moments and you have all the makings of a solid, if slightly undersized, NBA guard.

Walt Stays Hot

With the 20th pick in the NBA Draft, the Miami Heat have the chance to keep Clayton in state — and they pull the trigger. Clayton Jr.’s biggest knock is his lack of effort on defense and his questionable playmaking vision.

Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell can confidently man the point, slotting Clayton in neatly at the two-guard. This unlocks his strengths as an elite scorer on and off the ball.

Under coach Erik Spoelstra, any loafing on the back end can and will be coached out. It may take some time, but “Heat Culture” is more than just a catchy slogan. If Clayton Jr. ends up in South Beach, there is no doubt he can develop into a competent two-way guard who won’t have his minutes cut by defensive shortcomings.

This is a Miami team which is starting 33-year-old Alec Burks at shooting guard in the playoffs. They’re due for an upgrade. Walter Clayton Jr. gives them that.

Two Months Out

As June 25 nears by the day, names shuffle up and down draft boards across the Association. Will Richard and Alijah Martin are teetering on the edge of the second round. Alex Condon has a wide range of projections with an opportunity to return to Florida if he doesn’t feel the first-round buzz.

One thing is certain: Whoever grabs Walter Clayton Jr. has the opportunity to develop the next elite sniper in the NBA.