The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the NBA’s most consistent teams in recent years. The problem? That consistency has mostly landed them in the Play-In Tournament.
Now, with two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hawks are looking to keep building around Trae Young and a solid group of perimeter players. ChatGPT predicts they’ll use the No. 13 pick on Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Atlanta Hawks Projected To Select Walter Clayton Jr. With No. 13 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Atlanta didn’t have a strong 2024–25 season. After trading Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, expectations were low. Trae Young still played at a high level, but it wasn’t enough to carry the team.
The Hawks finished as the No. 8 seed in the East and failed to make the playoffs after two straight Play-In losses. That’s led to more questions about the team’s direction — and what’s next for Young.
While a trade involving Young still seems unlikely, adding another guard with scoring upside could be a smart move in this draft.
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“Atlanta, acquiring this pick from Sacramento, is expected to select Walter Clayton Jr., a 6’2″ guard from Florida,” ChatGPT wrote. “Clayton led Florida to a national championship while averaging 22.3 points and shooting 43.5% from 3-point range during the NCAA Tournament.”
Clayton, who was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, and shot 38.6% from three this past season — all while keeping the Gators’ offense humming.
• Zero-star basketball recruit
• Rejected SEC football offers to pursue basketball
• Described by Iona coach Rick Pitino as "fat, slow, and can't shoot… but could pass"
• Transferred to Florida when Pitino left for St. John'sNow, Walter Clayton Jr. is an NCAA CHAMPION 🐊 pic.twitter.com/gQsHmxyPiw
— Front Office Sports (@FOS)
Still, Clayton isn’t a lockdown defender, and he doesn’t bring elite athleticism. That’s part of why some scouts have him projected late in the first round or even in the second. His ceiling may be limited, but his shot-making and offensive polish are NBA-ready.
For a Hawks team that needs more scoring punch off the bench, Clayton could carve out a role quickly. But others believe Atlanta might prioritize defense and size with this pick, as highlighted in PFSN’s latest mock draft from Brandon Austin.
“Egor Demin offers the Atlanta Hawks a unique long-term playmaking prospect with elite vision and positional size — an ideal complement to their current backcourt of Trae Young and Dyson Daniels,” Austin wrote. “Even at 6’9”, Demin is one of the most creative and gifted passers in this draft class. His ability to read the floor, manipulate defenders, and deliver pinpoint passes sets him apart and could elevate Atlanta’s offense.”
In Austin’s mock, Clayton slid all the way to No. 30, where the Clippers scooped him up.
“Clayton is a tough shot-maker with an advanced feel for the game,” Austin wrote. “He doesn’t need much space to let it fly and has proven capable of knocking down shots from all angles.
“Clayton was a volume 3-point shooter last season, yet he hit nearly 39% of his attempts. That ability to hit difficult shots and play with confidence is tailor-made for a veteran team like the Los Angeles Clippers, who could use a bench scorer capable of creating his own looks when the stars are resting.”
