**Raptors Choose Ja’Kobe Walter as Potential Gary Trent Jr. Replacement in NBA Draft**
The Toronto Raptors selected Ja’Kobe Walter with the 19th pick in the NBA draft, aiming to capitalize on his athleticism, shooting, and defensive capabilities. Standing 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Walter offers potential as a strong shooter and defender, though he is not yet the playmaker needed behind Immanuel Quickley. He could serve as a replacement for free agent shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. and defend bigger wings.
Walter, who will turn 20 in September, averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in his single season with Baylor. Despite a shooting percentage of 37.6% overall and 34.1% from three-point range, his free throw percentage was a solid 79.2%. Walter was named Big-12 Rookie of the Year and has shown potential to develop into a valuable rotation player with better teammates and refinement.
Raptors GM Bobby Webster expressed excitement about drafting Walter, who the team followed since high school. Webster described Walter as “a winner, tough, a kid we followed since high school,” and noted his ability to move off the ball, aligning with head coach Darko Rajakovic’s offensive system.
Walter aims to showcase his shot creation abilities in the NBA and sees himself as a competitor, scorer, and two-way player willing to sacrifice on defense. Though he has not worked out for the Raptors or visited Canada, he looks forward to joining the team and making an immediate impact.
The draft saw the Atlanta Hawks select French forward Zaccharie Rissacher first overall, followed by Washington picking 7-foot-1 center Alex Sarr. Other notable picks included Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard to Houston, Stephon Castle to San Antonio, and Ron Holland to Detroit.
The Raptors acquired the 19th pick from the Indiana Pacers through the Pascal Siakam trade and expect to receive Indiana’s 2026 first-round selection if it is not in the top 4. Toronto also received the 31st pick in the second round from a previous deal with the New York Knicks. The Raptors anticipate numerous trade offers before the second round starts.
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