NBA Draft Scouting Report: Baylor's Ja'Kobe Walter

Scouting Report: Ja'Kobe Walter

Contents

1. Prospect Profile
2. Highlights
3. Draft Projection
4. 2024 Big Board

Ja'Kobe Walter

Guard | Baylor

Height: 6'5” | Weight: 180 lbs

2024 Draft Age: 19.79

Chris Kwiecinski/Tribune-USA TODAY NETWORK

Prospect Profile

Walter is the perfect size for an off-ball guard at the NBA level and has a frame that projects to develop more strengths. He also possesses tremendous length which will allow him to slide up and play on the wing as well. Overall, the Baylor freshman has real two-way upside and plays with power.

Best as a shooter in rhythm, Walter can absolutely fill it up from beyond the arc. His jumper is smooth and consistent which allows him to get hot. When that happens, he can really take over games. Walter also has NBA range and can shoot on the move as well.

In the midrange, Walter has improved his game and has gotten very crafty. The way he can start and stop quicky and change speeds speaks volumes to his balance and body control on the move.

An area of his game that will be monitored as a freshman is what he does on the ball as a playmaker for others. While he can create for himself and has a handful of go-to moves, the ability to facilitate the offense more will really improve his draft stock. If he is able to do that, Walter will prove he can situationally play three positions on offense. Furthermore, while Walter can score in bunches he will need to ensure his shot selection is high quality.

The defensive side of the ball is where Walter can differentiate himself. He can guard three positions with his length and athleticism and has a frame that should eventually allow him to hold his own against bigger wings. The Bears’ freshman is good both on and off the ball defensively and should earn even more minutes this season because of it.

From there, it’s all about what else he brings to the table. If he’s really going to emerge as a top-10 pick, proving he can rebound well, facilitate and actually change games defensively will swing his draft stock.

The former five-star recruit played at Link Academy, which was one of the best high school teams in the country. Now on a Baylor roster with a crowded backcourt, Walter’s role may look different but the ability to defend and slide up to the wing will help him. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Lottery Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

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2024 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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