Raptors draft pick Ja'Kobe Walter: What rookie combo guard brings to Toronto in Year 1

The Raptors offseason is officially in full swing.

Toronto has used the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to select Ja'Kobe Walter, a 6-4 guard from Baylor. As the franchise continues to build around 22-year-old All-Star Scottie Barnes, this selection provides an idea of the identity the team is looking to forge.

The Sporting News takes a look at what Walter will bring to the Raptors.

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Raptors draft pick Ja'Kobe Walter

Here's more on Walter from The Sporting News NBA Draft expert Kyle Irving, who gave the selection a B grade:

The Raptors are another team that needed shooting. Walter has the potential to be a prolific shooter, even if he only hit 34.1 percent of his 3s as a freshman.

Walter showed he was a capable shot-maker with the confidence to shoot off the dribble, catch and off movement. The 19-year-old complements Toronto's rebuilding core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick nicely.

Raptors team needs

• Backup point guard
• Wing defense
• Frontcourt depth

Raptors president Masai Ujiri outlined the team's biggest needs after the 2023-24 season ended. Among them: a reserve guard, perimeter defense and a reserve big man.

I think when you look at the draft, I think it's going to be best talent. We always look at the talent when we attack the draft, but honestly, our team is not at a point where we can really pick and choose.

I know backup point guard is something that we'll focus on a little bit. I think a wing defender type player is something we'll focus on. I think we've been unlucky in the last year or so with really, maybe a backup big that's young and suits us in some kind of way.

Ujiri's assessment hints that Toronto will reach an agreement with impending free agent Immanuel Quickley, the franchise's starting point guard of the future. A reserve big can spell veteran big man Jakob Poeltl, and wing defense is necessary now that all teams in the league are working to catch the champion Celtics, who feature a duo of All-Star wings in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

The need for three different archetypes of players gives the Raptors flexibility with their approach to the draft and offseason.

How Ja'Kobe Walter fits with Raptors

Walter fits the bill of a Raptors player and addresses some of the above needs.

A 6-4 combo guard, Walter has been described as a dynamic scorer with the ability to create his own shot. During his lone season at Baylor, Walter led the Bears in scoring with 14.5 points per game, which also was first among all Big 12 freshmen. He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year for his performance.

Walter knocked down 2.1 3s per game at a 34.1 percent clip and drained 75 3s during his freshman season. He also got to the free-throw line over five times per game.

In addition to his offensive skills, Walter has the tools to be molded into a strong defender for the Raptors, which would have a hand in addressing the need for wing defense.

As a combo guard with strong offensive skills, Walter can play off of Barnes and Quickley. He brings a number of the skills that Toronto has leaned on impending free agent Gary Trent Jr. to provide over the past three seasons.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said Walter "can make a shot and play defense" making him someone the team had followed for a while.

Ja'Kobe Walter stats, highlights

• 14.5 points per game
• 4.4 rebounds per game
• 1.4 assists per game
• 1.1 steals per game
• 37.6 percent field goal shooting
• 34.1 percent 3-point shooting
• 79.2 percent free throw shooting

Raptors roster 2024

The Raptors have 11 players under contract for the 2024-25 season. Walter will be the 12th player on the roster upon signing his contract. Toronto is also currently slated to select 31st overall in this draft.

Quickley (restricted), Trent (unrestricted) and Jordan Nwora (unrestricted) headline Toronto's free agency class.