Ja’Kobe Walter is an emerging talent in the NBA, currently playing for the Toronto Raptors. Known for his sharp shooting and promising career trajectory, Walter has quickly become a player to watch. This article provides an in-depth look at his personal life, early career, professional achievements, financial details, and endorsements.
Ja’Kobe Walter’s Biography
| Full Name | Ja’Kobe Amare Walter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 4, 2004 |
| Age | 20 years |
| Education | Baylor University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Salary | $3,465,000 (2024-25 season) |
| Career Earnings | $3,465,000 |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @jakobewalter |
| Twitter Profile | @jakobewalter |
Early Career
Ja’Kobe Walter’s early career is a testament to his dedication, talent, and drive to excel in basketball. Born on September 4, 2004, in Dallas, Texas, Walter grew up in McKinney, a suburb of Dallas, where his basketball journey began. He attended McKinney High School and quickly established himself as a standout player.
As a junior, Walter led McKinney High to its first-ever state championship game, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. During that season, he averaged an impressive 23.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. His performance earned him the title of District Offensive Player of the Year and a spot on the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-State Team.
For his senior year, Walter transferred to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, one of the top high school basketball programs in the nation. At Link Academy, he continued to shine, helping the team achieve a stellar 24-1 record during the 2022-23 season.
His exceptional play earned him selections to prestigious events such as the McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and the Nike Hoops Summit, where he represented Team USA. These accolades solidified his reputation as one of the top high school players in the country.
Walter was a consensus five-star recruit in the Class of 2023 and ranked among the top prospects by major recruiting services. Known for his scoring ability, particularly from long range, and his competitiveness on the court, he attracted attention from several elite college programs. On June 22, 2022, he committed to Baylor University over offers from Texas, Auburn, and Alabama.
At Baylor University, Walter wasted no time making an impact. He set a school record for points scored by a freshman in their debut game with a remarkable 28-point performance against Auburn. Throughout his freshman season (2023-24), he averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while playing significant minutes for the Bears.
His contributions helped Baylor reach the Big 12 Championship Game and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Walter’s outstanding performances earned him recognition as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Big 12 Third Team.
Professional Career
Ja’Kobe Walter began his professional basketball career with the Toronto Raptors after being selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Raptors saw immense potential in Walter, a dynamic shooting guard known for his scoring ability and composure under pressure.
Shortly after the draft, he signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $16.8 million, with $7.1 million guaranteed. However, his rookie season started on a challenging note as he missed training camp and the early part of the season due to an AC joint sprain in his shoulder.
Walter made his much-anticipated NBA debut on November 1, 2024, and quickly showcased his talent. On November 27, in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he recorded his first career double-double, scoring 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists in a commanding 119–93 victory.
This performance highlighted his versatility and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. As the season progressed, Walter continued to improve, culminating in a career-high 27-point performance on December 22 against the Houston Rockets. Despite the Raptors losing that game, Walter’s scoring prowess stood out as a bright spot.
One of the defining moments of Walter’s rookie season came on March 4, 2025, during an intense matchup against the Orlando Magic. With just half a second remaining on the clock and the Raptors trailing by two points, Walter hit a clutch three-pointer to secure a dramatic 114–113 victory. This game-winning shot not only demonstrated his composure under pressure but also solidified his reputation as a player capable of delivering in critical moments.
Throughout his rookie season, Walter split time between the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, Raptors 905. This allowed him to gain valuable experience and refine his skills in competitive settings.
Over the course of the season, he played in 52 regular-season games for Toronto, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc. His contributions were not limited to scoring; he also displayed defensive tenacity with averages of 0.8 steals per game.
Ja’Kobe Walter’s Net Worth Details
Ja’Kobe Walter’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ja’Kobe Walter signed a four-year rookie-scale contract with the Toronto Raptors after being selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The deal is valued at $16.8 million, with $7.1 million guaranteed. His contract includes an average annual salary of $4.2 million, and team options for the third and fourth years, which are standard for rookie contracts.
For the 2024-25 season, Walter is earning a base salary of $3,465,000, which will increase incrementally over the duration of the contract if team options are exercised. This rookie-scale agreement provides him with financial security while allowing the Raptors to assess his development and potential over his first few years in the league.
Salary
Ja’Kobe Walter’s salary for the 2024-25 NBA season is $3,465,000, as part of his rookie-scale contract with the Toronto Raptors. This amount reflects the base pay for his first year in the league, with incremental increases in subsequent seasons. For the 2025-26 season, his salary is set to rise to $3,638,160, followed by $3,811,800 in 2026-27, contingent on the Raptors exercising their team option.
If the team exercises the fourth-year option for the 2027-28 season, Walter’s salary will jump significantly to $5,870,172. These figures align with standard rookie contracts and provide a stable financial foundation as he continues to develop his skills and contribute to the team.
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Team | Cash Total | Cumulative Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 20 | Toronto Raptors | $3,465,000 | $3,465,000 |
| 2025-26 | 21 | Toronto Raptors | $3,638,160 | $7,103,160 |
| 2026-27 | 22 | Toronto Raptors | $3,811,800 | $10,914,960 |
| 2027-28 | 23 | Toronto Raptors | $5,870,172 | $16,785,132 |
NBA Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 52 |
| Games Started (GS) | 18 |
| Minutes Per Game (MIN) | 21.2 |
| Points Per Game (PTS) | 8.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game (REB) | 3.1 |
| Assists Per Game (AST) | 1.6 |
| Steals Per Game (STL) | 0.8 |
| Blocks Per Game (BLK) | 0.2 |
| Turnovers Per Game (TOV) | 1.0 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) | 40.5% |
| Three-Point Percentage (3P%) | 34.9% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) | 79.5% |
FAQs
1. Where was Ja’Kobe Walter born?
Ja’Kobe Walter was born in McKinney, Texas, on September 4, 2004. He grew up in McKinney and attended McKinney High School before transferring to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri for his senior year.
2. What position does Ja’Kobe Walter play?
Ja’Kobe Walter is a shooting guard. Known for his scoring ability and three-point shooting, he has also contributed defensively with his impressive wingspan and versatility.
3. What college did Ja’Kobe Walter attend?
Ja’Kobe Walter played college basketball at Baylor University during the 2023-24 season. He earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team.
4. When was Ja’Kobe Walter drafted into the NBA?
Ja’Kobe Walter was selected in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft with the 19th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors. He signed with the team on July 4, 2024.
5. What are Ja’Kobe Walter’s rookie season highlights?
During his rookie season with the Raptors, Walter scored a career-high 27 points against the Houston Rockets on December 22, 2024. He also hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Orlando Magic on March 4, 2025.
6. What were Ja’Kobe Walter’s high school achievements?
In high school, Walter led McKinney to its first-ever state championship game, averaging 23.3 points and 7.6 rebounds as a junior. He later played at Link Academy and participated in prestigious events like the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoops Summit.
7. How has Ja’Kobe Walter performed statistically in his rookie NBA season?
In his rookie NBA season (2024-25), Walter averaged 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over three starts for the Toronto Raptors while shooting 41.5% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
8. What is Ja’Kobe Walter’s playing style?
Walter is primarily a three-point shooter who excels at movement shooting and creating space off-ball. He also uses pump fakes effectively to drive into mid-range shots but continues to develop as a ballhandler and finisher around the basket.
9. Who influenced Ja’Kobe Walter’s basketball career?
Walter credits Baylor coach Scott Drew as one of his favorite mentors who significantly impacted his development during college basketball. Additionally, he was named after Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, which inspired him as he learned about this connection later in life.
10. Has Ja’Kobe Walter faced challenges in his rookie year?
Yes, injuries have affected his rookie season, including an AC joint sprain that caused him to miss training camp and early games. Despite these setbacks, he has shown promise with strong performances and consistent growth on the court.
