Florida Gators PG Walter Clayton Jr. finds his new home in the NBA Draft and they were desperate to get him
The Florida Gators were likely going to have at least one player selected in the first round in Walter Clayton Jr. with at least one other possibly selected later on. The biggest question was going to be which team was going to take him. The Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat were both thought to be […]
The Florida Gators were likely going to have at least one player selected in the first round in Walter Clayton Jr. with at least one other possibly selected later on. The biggest question was going to be which team was going to take him.
The Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat were both thought to be players for Clayton in mock drafts, but a stunning trade will be sending Clayton to Utah, as the Jazz moved up to the 18th overall pick to get Clayton.
The Jazz were very serious about getting better when it comes to shooting, and they did just that. At fifth overall, they got outstanding shooter and scorer Ace Bailey and pair him with Clayton, who is one of the more skilled and clutch shooters in this draft.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo breaks down the selection of Clayton, as he made his draft stock rise significantly thanks to his dominant NCAA tournament.
The Jazz traded up three spots with the Wizards to select Clayton, sending the 43rd pick and two other second-rounders, per ESPN insider Shams Charania. Clayton's massive NCAA tournament — leading Florida to the national title — significantly raised his profile amongst NBA teams, many of whom were drawn to his shot-making ability and saw real upside. His arrival in Utah gives the Jazz yet another young guard as they move forward, and what exactly that means for the other backcourt players on the roster is something Utah will likely have to address later on.
As Woo mentions, Clayton enters a very crowded backcourt in Utah. Isaiah Collier, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Keyonte George (Utah's first round pick in 2023) are all very solid players, meaning one of them theoretically would be on their way out to make room for Clayton.
Right away, Clayton won't have to be a major factor, and that could make things easier for him as he gets settled in at the NBA level. One thing is for sure: Utah making the trade up is a heavy signal that they love Clayton.
NBA mock drafts view Florida Gators star PG Walter Clayton Jr. favorably heading into Wednesday night
The Gators’ star is going to have his life changed on Wednesday
