Walter Clayton Jr., the Florida Gators guard who completed four years of college basketball, has entered the 2025 NBA Draft conversation as the event approaches. In a rapid-fire interview with Slam, Clayton named NBA superstar LeBron James and two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson as the greatest players in their respective leagues, emphasizing the A’ja Wilson WNBA champion legacy.
When asked about the best team ever, Clayton declined to choose, citing the potential to join any organization in the draft and wanting to avoid favoritism. Speaking on live Instagram video shared by Slam, Clayton said,
“LeBron James, A’ja Wilson,” Clayton said.
“Hmmmmm, I’mma pass,” Clayton said. “Finna get drafted, I’mma pass.”
Clayton Predicts Future NBA and WNBA Champions
Confident in his upcoming career, Clayton predicted that whichever franchise selects him in the 2025 NBA Draft will claim the 2026 NBA Finals title. He also expressed faith in the New York Liberty winning the 2025 WNBA championship, signaling respect for the current WNBA landscape where A’ja Wilson and her team compete.
Beyond naming top players, Clayton identified nine-time NBA All-Star Gary Payton as the greatest defender ever and Phil Jackson as the best coach in basketball history. These choices shed light on the players and leaders who have shaped his views of basketball excellence.
Additional Insights Into Clayton’s Basketball Preferences
The interview ventured into lighter topics, with Clayton revealing his favorite sneakers as the Jordan 4s, an iconic choice among basketball fans. Regarding basketball films, he cited two favorites—Love & Basketball and He Got Game—reflecting his appreciation for classic basketball storytelling.
ESPN Mock Draft Forecasts Miami Heat Selecting Clayton at No. 20
ESPN’s recent mock draft, refreshed on Monday, predicts Walter Clayton Jr. will be taken 20th overall in the first round by the Miami Heat. This pick was acquired by Miami through a prior trade with Golden State. Clayton concluded his NCAA career on a high note, helping lead the Florida Gators to the NCAA Tournament championship and finishing the season averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
The 2025 NBA Draft is set for Wednesday and Thursday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, marking the next step for Clayton as he transitions to the professional league.
The Road Ahead for Walter Clayton Jr. and His NBA Prospects
As Walter Clayton Jr. prepares to join the NBA, his confident assessments of basketball legends like LeBron James and A’ja Wilson highlight his knowledge and admiration for the game’s greats. His predictions about championship success underline his optimistic mindset heading into the draft. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Clayton’s career unfolds, while his inclusion in mock drafts suggests teams are eager to add his versatile skills. With the draft imminent, Clayton’s mention of the New York Liberty and A’ja Wilson WNBA champion legacy connects his future to the wider basketball community across both men’s and women’s leagues.