With the Florida Gators having a roster loaded with talent in the 2023-24 season it became regular to see NBA scouts at games and practices, and that led into the spring and summer where a number of players got NBA looks.
Now that players are allowed to work out for NBA teams while leaving the option open to return to college, Walter Clayton and Will Richard were sure to take advantage.
Reportedly, Will Richard worked out for the Portland Trailblazers, the Utah Jazz, the Detroit Pistons, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Portland was said to give him the longest look, as they were familiar with him from the previous summer when Richard was in Portland for Damian Lillard’s invitation-only camp. Ultimately, Richard received feedback from these workouts and chose a return to Florida would be the best move for his career. Sources say teams love Richard’s attitude and willingness to move the ball and play within a team construct, but they think he needs to improve his defense (particularly as a help defender) and continue to improve his shooting. Last year Richard came into camp wanting to become more of a ball handler, but at this point if he’s looking to get NBA looks his best option might be to become the best defender and spot up shooter possible.
Walter Clayton had the tougher decision on whether or not to return to the Gators after working out for “5 or 6 teams” (though they weren’t made known), and sources say he would have had opportunities to get on an NBA Summer League roster and compete for a contract. In addition to workouts with teams Walter Clayton was invited to the G League Combine where he played extremely well, showcasing the three-point shooting and knack for scoring that made him such an effective offensive player at Florida last season. Clayton’s feedback was all related to his defense and his ball handling. Having to spend a lot of his energy on the offensive side of the ball last year the defense took a back seat, and that was not popular among NBA scouts. However, they love his footwork and finishing ability, and it seems most believe he would be an above-average three-point shooter in the league. At only 6’2” teams really want him to be able to play point guard, so look for him to get more of those reps at Florida with Todd Golden not bringing in a traditional point guard through the portal this spring.
In terms of Florida’s graduated players, Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel both are getting a ton of looks.
Pullin has worked out for the Detroit Pistons, the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic among others–and reports were all tremendous. They were impressed by his size and physicality as well as his ability to read defenses and knock down shots. Pullin is a rare guard that could go from college to the NBA and immediately be ready physically, something that teams are looking for in a low-cost option off the bench. The word is that Pullin is unlikely to get drafted, though there are a lot of teams considering grabbing him in the second round and pencilling him in for backup point guard minutes.
Tyrese Samuel worked out for the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers among others, and teams came away impressed with his strength and athleticism. Given that he played the power forward spot for the Gators and often had to guard much smaller players the film wasn’t always great on the defensive end, but teams came away from workouts realizing he could move side to side much better than expected. Right now the issues for Samuel are jump shooting and size, as he’s undersized for what the NBA wants in a center, but he doesn’t shoot the ball well enough for what they’re looking for in a power forward. Though he might not be as tall as most NBA centers Samuel has great length and he’s physically stout, and he’ll hope for an NBA Summer League invitation to prove himself against some higher level players. He is unlikely to be drafted, but he should get the opportunity to attend an NBA camp in the fall.
NBA success is always something that can be sold to recruits, and the Gators having a number of players get workouts this summer is a good sign. Look for the next step to be having a player get drafted in the first round once again.