Derrick Walton

Derrick Walton Jr.
Derrick Walton Jr.
Born	April 3, 1995 (age 31); Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation	Professional basketball player
Years active	2013–present
Known for	Michigan Wolverines basketball, Hapoel Holon B.C.

Derrick Walton Jr. (born April 3, 1995) is a professional American basketball athlete currently playing for Hapoel Holon B.C. in the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He competed at the collegiate level with the Michigan Wolverines before launching his professional journey under a two-way contract with the Miami Heat and their NBA G League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

During his high school tenure at Chandler Park Academy, Walton was recognized as a Parade All-American and earned the 2013 Michigan Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year title. He also finished as runner-up for the prestigious Mr. Basketball of Michigan honor. In his freshman year at Michigan, Walton received All-Freshman accolades in the Big Ten while contributing to the team's regular-season championship in 2013–14. By his junior year, he secured a spot on the All-Big Ten third team as selected by coaches and was an honorable mention by media outlets; during his senior season, both coaches and media placed him on the second-team All-Big Ten. Notably, Walton remains the sole Wolverine to accumulate over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 400 assists throughout his career, and he holds Michigan’s single-game assist record with 16. His leadership was instrumental in Michigan's triumph at the 2017 Big Ten tournament, where he earned Most Outstanding Player honors.

Early life

Born on April 3, 1995, in Detroit, Michigan, Derrick Walton Jr. is the son of Angela and Derrick Walton Sr. Initially, he contemplated attending Saginaw High School alongside his close friend Dorian Dawkins. However, following Dawkins’ collapse at a basketball camp due to an underlying heart condition, Walton Sr. accepted the head coaching position at Chandler Park Academy. On June 13, 2011, Michigan extended scholarship offers to members of the class of 2013, and Walton verbally committed to Michigan on August 1, 2011, though this commitment was non-binding at that stage. Recruiting services ranked him #77 by Scout.com, #88 by Rivals.com, and #92 by ESPN.com among his peers in the class of 2013—a recruiting class that also included Zak Irvin.

Walton’s junior year marked a significant breakthrough highlighted by a remarkable 47-point and 12-rebound performance against Crockett High School, along with recording a rare quadruple-double versus Cesar Chavez Academy. His standing on Rivals.com improved from 57th to 44th during the summer of 2012. On November 16, 2012, he formalized his commitment by signing a National Letter of Intent with Michigan. At Chandler Park Academy, Walton narrowly missed out on winning Mr. Basketball of Michigan in 2013, finishing second to Monté Morris. He earned recognition as a Parade All-American and was honored as Michigan Boys Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year. By graduation, Rivals.com had elevated his national ranking to 37th.

College career

Walton entered college following the departure of standout players Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the 2013 NBA draft. The preceding season’s team—the 2012–13 Wolverines—had advanced to the national championship game but fell short against Louisville.

Freshman season

In September 2013, Sports Illustrated positioned Walton as the ninth-best freshman nationally, while Sporting News ranked him third among newcomers in the Big Ten Conference. On November 8, he started in Michigan’s season opener against UMass Lowell, joining five other freshmen in the lineup. Although Walton outscored Monté Morris from Iowa State by a margin of 13–2 during their November 17 matchup, Michigan was defeated 77–70. Walton contributed significantly with 15 points, six assists, and four rebounds during a narrow two-point overtime victory over Florida State on November 22 and tallied seven assists against Coppin State on November 29.

On January 9, Walton delivered critical baskets in a one-point triumph over Nebraska, including a half-court buzzer-beater followed by a decisive layup. He achieved a personal best of 19 points against (#3) Michigan State on January 25, aiding Michigan in securing its inaugural victory over three consecutive top-ten opponents and attaining an undefeated (7–0) start in Big Ten play—the best since the 1976–77 season. During this game, he converted nine out of ten free throws and was honored as Big Ten Freshman of the Week.

On February 11, Walton recorded his first double-double with totals of 13 points and ten rebounds during an away win at Ohio State—the program’s first victory there in over a decade. Following regular-season play, coaches selected him for the Big Ten All-Freshman team. That season culminated with Michigan capturing its first outright Big Ten championship since the mid-1980s (1985–86) and advancing to the Elite Eight round of the 2014 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, where they were eliminated by Kentucky. Additionally, during his freshman year campaign, Walton posted a career-high four steals in an upset loss against Eastern Michigan.

Sophomore season

ESPN positioned Walton at number 87 in its preseason list of the top 100 players. Additionally, he was included on the 36-player Bob Cousy Award Preseason Watch List, joining Big Ten point guards Yogi Ferrell and Melo Trimble.

Walton began the season impressively, scoring a personal best of 22 points against Hillsdale College on November 15. However, on November 29, he sustained an unspecified toe injury during the game versus Nicholls State, which sidelined him. Despite this setback, on December 9 he achieved a career-high of four steals in a defeat against Eastern Michigan. Later, on December 22, Walton set a new personal record with nine assists in the matchup against Coppin State. During Michigan’s victory over Northwestern on January 17, he made a career-best four three-point shots.

Following Caris LeVert’s season-ending injury, Walton led the team with 12 points on January 20. He contributed ten points during Michigan’s comeback from a 42–37 deficit to secure a 52–44 lead with just over half a minute remaining. His scoring included two three-pointers that leveled the game and four free throws in the closing moments. On January 24, Walton again led Michigan with 17 points and nailed a three-pointer with only 1.3 seconds left to tie the contest against No. 6 Wisconsin and force overtime; however, Michigan was ultimately defeated.

Walton was withdrawn from play due to toe soreness on January 27 as Michigan triumphed over Nebraska. This injury caused him to miss the final dozen games of the season.

Junior season

Having appeared in 19 out of Michigan’s 32 games the previous year, Walton started the 2015–16 season as a regular starter beginning with the game against Northern Michigan. On November 16 versus Elon, he recorded career highs across multiple categories: 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, eight field goals made from ten attempts, and six three-pointers out of seven tries—leading all players in these statistics. Walton suffered an ankle sprain on December 1 during the ACC–Big Ten Challenge win over NC State after Abdul-Malik Abu stepped on his foot. This injury sidelined him for three games, during which Caris LeVert filled the starting point guard role. Returning to action on December 15 against Northern Kentucky, Walton scored 16 points. Four days later versus Youngstown State, he achieved a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists—becoming only the fifth player in program history to reach this milestone.

With top scorer Caris LeVert unavailable on January 12, Walton posted a double-double featuring 12 points and 10 rebounds in Michigan’s upset victory over No. 3 Maryland. He continued this trend by recording double-doubles against Nebraska (19 points and 12 rebounds) and Penn State (13 points and 10 rebounds) during the inaugural B1G Super Saturday event at Madison Square Garden. On February 10, Walton set a new career scoring mark with 26 points in a triumph over Minnesota.

Following the conclusion of the Big Ten season in 2015–16, Walton received third-team All-Big Ten recognition from coaches and honorable mention accolades from media members. In the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals on March 11 against Indiana, he established a tournament single-game record by delivering 12 assists—a mark that remained unbroken for five years until Mike Smith surpassed it. Across the tournament, Walton totaled 22 assists, tying for third place all-time for assists in a single Big Ten tournament until Denzel Valentine recorded 28 assists the next day.

Michigan’s campaign concluded on March 18 with a loss to No. 6 seed Notre Dame in the NCAA tournament. In that game, Walton set a school record for steals in an NCAA tournament contest with six, while also contributing ten points, eight assists, and four rebounds.

Senior season

Walton entered the season recognized as one of ten Preseason All-Big Ten selections and shared team captain duties with Zak Irvin. During the 2016 2K Sports Classic final at Madison Square Garden, he tallied 23 points, including a career-best seven three-pointers, guiding Michigan to a decisive 76–54 victory over SMU. On December 10, Walton became the 51st player in Michigan history to exceed 1,000 career points in a contest against (#2/#2) UCLA.

On January 6, 2017, Walton was named among five Big Ten athletes on the 30-player candidate list for the Senior CLASS Award. By February 7, he joined Gary Grant and Jalen Rose as the third Wolverine to accumulate at least 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, and 400 assists. Walton spearheaded Michigan’s first road triumph over Indiana on February 12, marking his fifth straight game scoring 20 or more points. This performance earned him Co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors on February 13.

Facing (#11/#10) Wisconsin on February 16, Walton became the inaugural player in program history to record over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 400 assists. On March 5 against Nebraska, he set a new single-game Michigan assists record with 16, eclipsing Grant’s previous total of 14. Walton received another Co-Big Ten Player of the Week accolade on March 6 and earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition from both coaches and media. Additionally, he was named an All-District selection by the United States Basketball Writers Association.

Before the start of the 2017 Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament, Walton suffered leg injuries in an airplane accident but still led Michigan in the semifinal versus Minnesota, scoring a career-high 29 points while converting all ten free throw attempts. In the championship match, Michigan defeated (#23/#24) Wisconsin by a score of 71–56, with Walton contributing 22 points. He averaged 20.5 points and 6.3 assists throughout the tournament while maintaining exceptional free throw accuracy, earning him the Big Ten tournament Most Outstanding Player award.

During the opening round of the 2017 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Walton recorded 26 points and 11 assists in a tight win over Oklahoma State, achieving a rare statistical feat not seen since Dwyane Wade in 2003. The Wolverines advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before being eliminated by Oregon. On March 22, Walton was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Division I All-District 7 second team. He led the Big Ten in three-pointers made with a total of 98 and ranked second in minutes per game (34.8), free throw percentage (87.6%), and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.9) for the season.

Concluding his tenure at Michigan, Walton ranked second all-time in free throw percentage (83.67%), third in games started (126), fourth in assists (499), and fourth in three-point field goals made (233). He also competed in the State Farm College Slam Dunk & Three-Point Championships during Final Four weekend, finishing third among eight participants. Following this successful season, he was honored as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

On April 30, 2017, ESPN analyst Jeff Goodman reported that Walton was designated as an alternate for the NBA Draft Combine, though he ultimately received an invitation to participate.

Miami Heat (2017–2018)

Following the 2017 NBA draft, where he went undrafted, Walton joined the Orlando Magic for the 2017 NBA Summer League. During four games, he averaged 10.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds, shooting 46.9% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. On July 24, 2017, he inked a two-way contract with the Miami Heat, dividing his time between the Heat and their G League team, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Walton was assigned to Sioux Falls on October 23 and was anticipated to spend the majority of the season in the G League. However, due to injuries on Miami’s roster, he made his NBA debut on November 6 against the Golden State Warriors.

Walton recorded his first NBA points through free throws on November 19 facing the Indiana Pacers, and on December 18 against the Atlanta Hawks, he made his initial NBA field goal—a three-pointer. Throughout the season, he appeared in 16 contests but missed time after falling ill on January 5, 2018. By late June 2018, the Heat extended a qualifying offer to Walton, rendering him a restricted free agent until July 13.

Žalgiris Kaunas (2018–2019)

Walton signed with the Chicago Bulls on August 12, 2018, but was waived by October 12. Shortly thereafter, on October 18, he joined Žalgiris Kaunas for the remainder of the 2018–19 campaign. His minutes diminished starting in December, leading to a mutual contract termination on February 12, 2019. In the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL), he averaged 8.4 points and 4.4 assists, while in Euroleague play, he posted averages of 4.6 points and 2.5 assists.

Alba Berlin (2019)

In mid-February of 2019, Walton signed with Alba Berlin, where he contributed to their journey to the finals of the Basketball Bundesliga.

Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2020)

Walton took part in the 2019 NBA Summer League representing the Los Angeles Clippers and later secured an Exhibit 10 contract with them. He earned a spot on their initial 15-man roster and was assigned multiple times to their G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers, where he made several key free throws early in games.

At the start of the NBA season, Walton saw limited court time behind backup guards Jerome Robinson and Terance Mann. On December 8, amid injuries to primary players, he achieved a career-best seven points in a victory over the Washington Wizards. He reached double figures for points for the first time on December 31 against the Sacramento Kings, scoring ten points. On January 4, 2020, with several starters unavailable, Walton made his first NBA start versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

On February 6, 2020, Walton was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a protected second-round pick in the 2022 draft but was promptly waived by Atlanta.

Detroit Pistons (2020)

Walton returned to his hometown by signing a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons on February 21, 2020; however, he was not offered a second contract.

ASVEL (2020–2021)

Following a preseason period with the Philadelphia 76ers, Walton transitioned to France in December 2020 to compete for ASVEL through the conclusion of the 2020–21 Pro A season.

Detroit Pistons / Motor City Cruise (2021–2022)

Walton inked a deal with the Detroit Pistons on September 28, 2021. After being waived the following month, he joined the Motor City Cruise in the NBA G League, where he posted averages of 13.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.

On December 25, 2021, Walton secured a 10-day contract with the Pistons. During an overtime matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on January 1, 2022, he recorded NBA personal bests with 11 points, six rebounds, four steals, and six assists while delivering the decisive assist for the victory.

Walton rejoined the Motor City Cruise on January 4, 2022. The following day, he achieved his first triple-double in the G League—and the inaugural one in Motor City Cruise history—by tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 16 assists in the league. He finished the 2021–22 G League season as the assists leader, averaging 9.5 assists per game.

Sydney Kings (2022–2023)

Walton signed with the Sydney Kings on July 5, 2022, ahead of the 2022–23 NBL season. On December 18, he notched 45 points in a narrow 113–112 double-overtime defeat to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. In March 2023, Walton played a key role in guiding the Kings to clinch the NBL championship, winning the grand final series 3–2 over the New Zealand Breakers, and earned recognition as the grand final MVP.

Zhejiang Lions (2023–2024)

For the 2023–24 campaign, Walton joined the Zhejiang Lions competing in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 12.6 points and contributed 5.1 assists per game over 42 contests.

South East Melbourne Phoenix (2024–2025)

On May 3, 2024, Walton agreed to terms with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the upcoming 2024–25 NBL season. A hamstring injury sustained on October 22 sidelined him for approximately three weeks. A recurrence of this injury in January 2025 prematurely ended his regular season after missing eight games. Nevertheless, Walton was confirmed to be available for the Phoenix’s semi-final series versus the Illawarra Hawks.

Hapoel Holon (2025–present)

In September 2025, Walton committed to Hapoel Holon B.C. of the Israeli Basketball Premier League, marking his debut participation in the Basketball Champions League.

Regular season

|- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"|Miami | 16 || 0 || 9.2 || .320 || .412 || 1.000 || 1.0 || 1.0 || .4 || .2 || 1.8 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"|L.A. Clippers | 23 || 1 || 9.7 || .472 || .429 || .778 || .7 || 1.0 || .2 || .0 || 2.2 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"|Detroit | 3 || 0 || 8.8 || .333 || .333 || .0 || .3 || 1.7 || 1.0 || .0 || 1.0 |- | style="text-align:left;"| | style="text-align:left;"|Detroit | 3 || 3 || 36.0 || .231 || .231 || 1.000 || 3.3 || 7.0 || 2.3 || 1.3 || 6.3 |- | style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career | 45 || 4 || 9.4 || .406 || .415 || .867 || .8 || 1.0 || .3 || .1 || 2.0

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