Jarace Walker NBA Mock Draft scouting report: Houston forward looking like a top-five pick in 2023
No. 1 seed Houston is rolling his way into the Sweet 16, and freshman forward Jarace Walker, a potential top-five pick in the 2023 NBA draft, is making his presence felt.
The 19-year-old has been a dominant inner force at both ends of the court all season. Walker earned AAC Rookie of the Year and All-AAC Second Team awards for averaging 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. He played a key role in Houston’s highest finishing finish (AP No. 2) since 1982-83 – the last time the Cougars reached the National Championship game.
What would Walker bring to an NBA franchise that picks him? The Sporting News dives deeper below.
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Jarace Walker NBA Draft Scouting Report
Strengths of Jarace Walker
Walker’s physical tools are his biggest asset as a 6-8, 240-pound forward with a reported 7-2 span. Considering his fluid mobility, lateral quickness for his size, and sheer athleticism, the 19-year-old is exactly the archetype of what NBA teams want in a power forward in today’s NBA.
Walker has developed into one of the best all-around defenders in his draft class, using his physicality and length to anchor the color against bigs while also being able to hold his own against guards on perimeter switches.
He’s vaporized quite a few shots in the NCAA tournament, using his quick instincts to come out of nowhere and protect the rim on multiple occasions.
On offense, Walker is a constant threat in the dunker spot with great hands and bouncing verticality to get up and throw lobs. He’ll muscle defenders for position on the block to create easy looks at the basket, and can score with a surprisingly soft touch on hook shots or push shots in the paint.
Walker has also flashed the ability to stretch the ground, putting down 32 of his 93 3-point attempts (34.4%) up to that point in the season.
Walker’s adaptability makes him such a special candidate, as evidenced by his freshman season in Houston. In some games, he was exclusively a shutdown defender and tenacious rebounder. In other games, he dominates inside and adds some offensive firepower.
It’s hard to pass up his combination of physical tools and malleable abilities.
Jarace Walker weaknesses
Most of Walker’s limitations come on the offensive end, where he tends to disappear at times. In 16 of his 33 games this season, he scored under 10 points and attempted under 10 shots. It reminds me a bit of Heat star center Bam Adebayo, who is a monster when he’s determined to be an offensive influence but doesn’t always call for the ball.
While Walker has shown a brief glimpse of a 3-point shot, it’s still a long way from a crushing floor stretcher. He’s shot 63.5 percent on 74 free-throw attempts this season — a surprisingly low conversion rate for a big man with a touch.
Walker could also improve as a passer and ball handler, but it would be unfair to expect him to be polished in those areas as a 19-year-old forward.
Jarace Walker NBA Mock Draft Projection
Mock Draft projection: Top 5 selection
I expect Walker to be the second college prospect to be selected in June, after Alabama’s Brandon Miller. He already has the physical tools to hit both ends of the ground in the NBA. The glimpses of his ability to stretch the ground as a marksman bode well for his offensive versatility.
Jarace Walker NBA Player Comparison
NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Marion
Walker is listed as an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than Marion, but I see some similarities in their playstyle. Walker’s energy and defensive versatility are on par with Marion, as is his ability to keep opponent defenses honest by occasionally knocking down 3’s.