Jazz Rookie Walter Clayton Jr. “Can’t Wait” To Get To Work In Utah
Jun 25, 2025, 9:46 PM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Walter Clayton Jr. speaks during a Media Availability session prior to the 2025 NBA Draft at Lotte New York Palace on June 24, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz traded up to the 18th pick to select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
After taking the stage and enjoying his moment in Brooklyn, Clayton joined the KSL Sports Zone for an interview.
Rookie Walter Clayton Jr. Speaks On Utah Jazz Selection
Despite never coming to Salt Lake City for a workout, Clayton said that the Jazz front office had been in contact with his representation.
Reports were circulating that the Miami Heat were eying the Florida guard with the No. 20 pick, which resulted in Utah making their move.
“(The Utah Jazz) were having a few conversations with my agents,” Clayton said. “They told me they were trading up, and it might be me. I got handed the phone, and I had a couple of tears come down.”
the moment your dreams become a reality 🥹#TakeNote | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/D33x4KqpE9
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 26, 2025
Coming into a young, rebuilding team, Clayton explained he has a lot to bring both on the court and in the locker room.
Having led the Gators to an NCAA Championship, he said he will bring a winning mentality to Utah.
“(I’m) simply a winner, man,” Clayton said. “I’m going to be in the gym every day, I’m going to work, and I’m going to do my best to put some W’s in the win column.”
The fit is interesting, to say the least. Utah already has young guards on the roster like Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier. Not to mention veterans like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson.
Regardless, Clayton expressed his excitement to get to work and play alongside No. 5 pick Ace Bailey.
“We’re going to get to work,” Clayton said. “I know Ace (Bailey) is a very gifted athlete and scorer, so we’re going to get to work. I can’t wait to get out there.”
Jazz Select Walter Clayton Jr. Pick In NBA Draft
18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds – .448/.386/.875
If the Jazz are willing to add yet another first-year player to the roster, but don’t necessarily want to get younger, Walter Clayton Jr. might be the ideal candidate.
According to reports, the Utah Jazz are trading No. 21 and two second-round picks to the Wizards for Walter Clayton Jr., the 18th pick. pic.twitter.com/7H3JT0r7fP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 26, 2025
A four-year senior, Clayton Jr. is a floor general in the truest sense of the label, helping guide the Florida Gators to the national championship this past season.
Clayton Jr. is a marksman from the three-point line, an active defender, and an overall steady leader who would bring a winning pedigree to the Jazz’s backcourt.
Small, older guards tend to go undervalued in the draft, and Clayton Jr. could prove to be a steal with the 18th pick.
