NBA Draft Profile: Baylor guard Ja’Kobe Walter

As we inch closer to the 2024 NBA Draft, Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross are beginning to examine players who could be on the Sacramento Kings’ radar.

The Kings hold the 13th pick in the draft, meaning they could bring in a player to help the team from day one, whether by using the pick on a prospect or by moving the pick to upgrade the roster via trade.

For Sacramento, adding a floor-spacing forward or big should be on general manager Monte McNair’s to-do list, but that doesn’t mean he won’t pick the player he and the rest of the Kings’ front office believe to be the best available.

Today, Dave and Kyle Ledbetter break down Baylor guard Ja’Kobe Walter, the Big 12 freshman of the year and a player who could be on the board when Sacramento uses its draft pick.

Ja’Kobe Walter | SG | Height: 6’5 | Weight: 198 lbs | Age: 19 | Big Board: 13th

Stats: 35 games | 14.5 points | 4.4 rebounds | 1.4 assists | 1.1 steals | 0.2 blocks | 37% FG | 34% 3PT | 32.3 minutes

Topics Discussed

• Could Walter be insurance if Malik Monk departs in free agency?
• Dave goes through Walter’s reported strengths and weaknesses
• Many mock drafts have Sacramento taking Walter at 13th
• At 19 years old, Walter would go against Kings GM Monte McNair’s track record of drafting older prospects
• Dave is still convinced that Sacramento will package the 13th pick in a trade

Scouting Report via NBA Draft Room

Walter is a prototypical two-guard who has the size, tools, and talent to be a high-level NBA player.

He’s a skilled shot-maker with deep range on his jumper and nice shooting form. His release is really smooth, and he puts great rotation on the ball. His outside shot is his most intriguing NBA skill.

Walter has the handles and acceleration to get past defenders and does a nice job of finding his mid-range game. He gets great elevation on his jumper and can get his shot off over length. At this point, he’s not a great finisher in the lane and doesn’t show much creativity with the dribble to create his own offense – but he’s improving in these areas and should continue to expand this part of his game.

He competes on both ends and doesn’t take plays off, but he isn’t always the most aware defender and can get ball-watching. He’s got the tools to be a good defender but needs to put in the work to develop better technique and the attitude that all great defenders have.

Walter is a likely lottery pick, thanks to his awesome outside shooting ability and prototypical NBA shooting guard frame.

Ja’Kobe Walter scouting report – NBA Draft Room

When is the next Sacramento Kings off-season date of interest?

The NBA Draft is now a two-night event.

Wednesday, June 26th, will act as the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Sacramento Kings will make their first-round selection (13th). The second round of the draft will be held on Thursday, June 27th, where the Kings will use its 45th overall pick.

Sacramento hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2022, when it selected Iowa product Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings draft coverage, including player profiles, reports regarding pre-draft workouts, draft night coverage, and much more.

NBA Offseason Schedule

• Wednesday, June 26-Thursday, June 27th – 2024 NBA Draft
• Sunday, June 30th – Free Agent negotiating window opens (3 PM PST)
• Saturday, July 6th – Free Agents can officially sign contracts
• July 12-22nd – Las Vegas Summer League
• July 27-August 11th – 2024 Olympic Games
• Friday, September 27th – NBA training camps begin

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