The NBA is changing fast, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the backcourt. The league is now dominated by guards who can shoot, create, initiate offense, and make tough decisions in high-pressure moments. Think about the rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Haliburton. The days of one-dimensional point guards are over. Teams need shot-makers and shot-creators. If your guards can’t do both, you’re going to fall behind.
That’s exactly where the Brooklyn Nets find themselves right now. They need guard help, not just in terms of talent but in terms of identity. Their current guard rotation lacks a consistent initiator, someone who can bend defenses, make decisions at speed, and hit big shots when everything else breaks down. And while the number 8 pick in this year’s draft might offer a chance at a guard like Kon Knueppel, Brooklyn’s later first-round selections, picks 19, 26, and 27, are where things could get interesting, because that’s where Walter Clayton Jr. could be sitting.
And if he is? They should take him. No hesitation.
An ultimate sleeper in the draft
Clayton isn’t a name you’ll see in most top-10 mocks. He’s older than the typical lottery pick. He doesn’t have the flashy label or the international mystery. But what he does have is game, and a lot of it. He led the Florida Gators to a national championship, earned All-American honors, and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Clayton’s skill set fits today’s NBA. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the draft, and not just in spot-up situations. He can shoot off the bounce, off movement, and from deep. He’s got a compact, quick release, and defenses can’t relax when he’s on the floor.
More than just a shooter
Although there is no doubt he has great range from beyond the arc, this past March Madness Tournament he has proved that he isn’t just a shooter. He proved he has the upside to run a team. He averaged over four assists per game with a nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. He’s strong enough to finish through contact, smart enough to play within a system, and competitive on both ends of the floor.
While he’s not the biggest two-guard in the draft, his frame (6'3", 195 lbs) and athleticism help him hold his own. He’s also clutch. Florida trusted him with the ball in every big moment during their title run, and he delivered. That kind of experience matters.
Some teams will hesitate because of his age. That’s a mistake. Clayton is ready to contribute now, and the Nets don’t need another long-term project; they need someone who knows how to play. Someone who knows how to win. In a league where elite guard play is more valuable than ever, passing on Walter Clayton Jr. would be a miss. He has real potential to be the steal of the draft and exactly what Brooklyn needs.