The Toronto Raptors got their guy in Ja’Kobe Walter at No. 19 in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old guard out of Baylor 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.
Walter has a chance to become a prolific shooter which will certainly help the Raptors shootings woes.
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 plays with a great amount of confidence and he is the ultimate competitor. He has elite 3-and-D potential which makes him an intriguing fit with the Raptors young core.
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster talked about the Raptors landing Walter at No. 19, via Sportsnet:
“Feel fortunate to get Ja’Kobe [Walter] in this spot. Maybe he thought he was going earlier, maybe the mocks had him going earlier, but a kid we followed since high school. He’s always been a winner, tough, he fits the mold of a two-way Raptor player, can make a shot, play defense. Some guy we followed for a while, but didn’t necessarily think he’d be there at 19 so feel great.”
Webster also talked about Walter’s shooting numbers which seem underwhelming on paper but Webster does not seem concerned, per Sportsnet Michael Grange:
“I think maybe if you look at the splits, it’s a little bit different early in the season. And he may have been dealing with some knee stuff (but) you gotta make shots in this league. You can’t just (survive on) the reputation of a shooter. You have to do it. So, I think obviously that’s our bet with him.”
At 19-years-old, Walter will have plenty of room to grow with the Raptors and could develop into a starter for the team.
Day 2 of the NBA Draft
The Toronto Raptors will kickoff day 2 of the NBA Draft today at 4pm ET with the No. 31 pick.
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