Walter Clayton NBA Summer League debut: How Florida star performed with Jazz
Walter Clayton Jr.‘s professional career began Saturday night in the Utah Jazz‘s opening game in the NBA Summer League.
Clayton Jr. and Ace Bailey‘s Jazz took the win over the Philadelphia 76ers by score of 93-89.
The reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player scored nine points, dished out six assists and hauled in three rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. He was just 2/6 from three-point range and shot just two free throws (1/2), which has become a specialty of his.
The NBA Summer League has been providing basketball fans an early look at the league’s newest NBA players since its inaugural season in 2002. Along with Draft selections, the rosters are rounded out by young players still trying to get a foot in the door or veteran players looking to land a spot back in the league.
Clayton Jr. was selected with the No. 18 overall pick by the Jazz
Clayton Jr. initially began his career at Iona, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Florida. By the time Sebring, FL native was done with the Gators, he had become the program’s first ever First Team All-American.
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The talented shooting guard with range to spare did it all for Florida. During his senior season, Clayton Jr. averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He also shot 38.6% from 3-point range and 87.5% from the charity stripe, adding up to him becoming one of the nation’s best scorers.
He was incredible for Todd Golden and Florida in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, as he poured in two classic performances against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and Auburn in the Final Four. Clayton Jr. poured in 30 points and four assists in the win over the Red Raiders, then dropped 34 points on 5/8 shooting from three on Johni Broome and Auburn in the Final Four.
At 6 foot 3, there are some concerns about his height at the next level. However, Clayton proved pretty definitively that he can handle playing point guard, doing so at a national championship level for the Gators.
Before he landed at Iona, Clayton was not ranked by the On3 Industry Rankings. He was rated by only one service, receiving four-star status and a 94 grade from On3. He was the No. 22 overall player and was also the No. 3 combo guard in in the class by On3.