Weaknesses
While he’s flashed playmaking potential in the past, Walter’s handle needs some work. Walter lacks elite length and/or athleticism which can cap his defensive potential. He did not finish well at the rim in his lone collegiate season, shooting just 42 percent in the restricted area. Walter is a willing defender, but there are intangibles he’ll need to improve on.
Positional Fit
Walter screams 3-and-D player. He’s someone who will likely get used as an off-ball shooter to start out his career, with potential offensive upside to create for himself and others. Best case, he’s a small Khris Middleton type. More likely, he’ll play a similar game to that of Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter or Max Christie.
Draft Projection
SB Nation mock draft: No. 21, New Orleans Pelicans
NBA teams can’t get enough shooting, which is what Ja’Kobe Walter specializes in. An up-and-down season at Baylor hurt his draft stock, but it seems like he’ll be a lock to go within the first half of the 2024 draft. Don’t expect him to be on the board much longer, if he’s available at the 16th slot.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at Nos. 16 and 41. Next up in this series is Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter.
Walter was a top recruit heading into the collegiate season. A sporadic and slightly underwhelming showing from both Walter and Baylor may have the sharpshooting two guard falling into the Sixers’ lap at pick 16. What does Walter do well and what are some things to consider from a Sixers’ POV? Let’s break it down.
Profile
2023-24 Stats: 35 games, 32.3 minutes, 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.2 blocks, 37.6% FG, 34.1% 3P, 79.2% FT
Team: Baylor
Year: Freshman
Position: SG
Height (without shoes) & Weight: 6’4.25” | 197.6 lbs
Born: September 4th, 2004 (19 years old)
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
High School: Link Academy
Strengths
Walter is the prototypical modern two guard, with the tools and talent to grow into a high-level NBA player. Walter’s calling card is his shooting — he’s capable of hitting shots from deep range and has an excellent, smooth release. He isn’t just a catch-and-shoot guy, Walter thrives off screens or hand-offs (which have been a mainstay in the Sixers’ offense for awhile now). He has a good wingspan for his size at 6-foot-10, and is capable of getting shots off over lengthy defenders. In high school, Walter flashed playmaking potential; although Baylor rarely used him as a point guard due to their pre-existing depth. With Baylor, Walter was a solid perimeter defender that played the passing lanes well.
Sixers 2024 Draft prospect Baylor Guard Ja'Kobe Walters
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