The Toronto Raptors have selected guard Ja’Kobe Walter at No. 19 at the 2024 NBA Draft.
This was the Raptors only pick in the first round after they lost their original lottery pick to the San Antonio Spurs (8th).
This 19th pick was traded to the Raptors from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Pascal Siakam deal:
With the 19th pick of the NBA Draft, the @Raptors select Ja’Kobe Walter (@JaKobeWalter1)!
2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm LIVE on ABC & ESPN! pic.twitter.com/q9aN6pFb6u
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2024
Walter is 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 35 starts for the Bears on his way to being named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Walter shot 37.6 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from three on 6.3 attempts.
Despite only shooting 34.1 percent from deep, Walter has the potential to be a high-level shooter. He’s a capable shot-maker who can shoot it off the dribble, catch and off movement. Walter is considered one of the best movement shooters in the draft. He will certainly be a nice addition to the Raptors young core.
Walter also does an excellent job of getting downhill. He plays with no fear and is physical in the lane, able to finish through contact.
Walter has good size and is a fierce competitor. He also has nice upside as a defender as he can develop into a versatile 3-and-D player in the NBA. He has plenty of room to grow as a 19-year-old prospect.
The Raptors roster is all of a sudden guard heavy with Walter in the mix. Walter could be the potential replacement for Gary Trent Jr. who is an unrestricted free agent.
Second round of 2024 NBA Draft
The Raptors will now pick at No. 31 on June 27 to kickoff the second round of the NBA Draft.
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