The 2023 NBA Draft will be an important event for teams to build for their future. Here is the Jarace Walker 2023 NBA Draft Profile.
Position: Forward
Size: 6-foot-7, 249 pounds
Class: Freshman
School: Houston
2022-2023 stats: 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 46.5%FG, 34.7%3FG, 66.3%FT
Walker played just one season at Houston and helped the team have a very good season. Now he is in the 2023 NBA Draft.
As a five-star recruit out of Florida, Walker decided to sign with Houston. He had a good season for the Cougars, averaging 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. His play helped Houston to a no. 1 seed and a Sweet 16 appearance.
Following the season, Walker declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. He is currently projected to be a top-10 pick.
His size, wingspan and athleticism allow him to be one of the more versatile players in the draft class. He is 6-foot-7 and 249 pounds, which gives him a solid build. Walker can guard several different positions on the defensive end of the floor. On offense, he also can play multiple positions and score in different ways.
He has good defensive ability due to his ability to switch and guard multiple positions, but also the fact that he can protect the rim. Walker shows good ability to block shots as the on-ball defender. He also has the awareness and skill to block shots from the weak side.
Walker can stretch the floor as a shooter and displayed that at Houston. He shot 34.7 percent from 3-point range for the Cougars, which isn’t great, but still a good starting point for a potential stretch-five at the NBA level. Not only can he stretch the floor, but he can also score in the post. He has the strength to finish in the post and has some moves in his game to make him effective.
Walker can continue to improve his shooting. As mentioned, he shoots solidly from 3-point range for a bigger player, but he can continue to improve. The place where Walker really needs to work on his shot is from the free throw line. He shot just 66.3 percent of free throws, which may result in him being taken off the floor at the end of games.
Teams who do put him as a small-ball center, could be liable for him giving up some size on the interior. He has a well-built body, but could struggle guarding players who have better length. Walker will have to be used situationally as a small-ball center and other times will need to be moved to forward.
Walker could have better ball handling as well. He doesn’t have the ability to create shots for himself. This will make him a player that needs to catch and shoot, whether that is in the post or behind the 3-point line.
Projected Draft Range: Top 10 Pick
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