Heading into the NBA Draft, most mock drafts had Florida Gator star Walter Clayton Jr. going somewhere around picks 20 to 30. As news started to leak out, it seemed destined that Clayton would wind up in Miami, as the Heat were one of the few teams he was working out with.
But Draft Night is always filled with surprises, and Clayton found himself in the middle of one as the Utah Jazz swung a trade with the Washington Wizards to move into the No. 18 slot and draft Clayton into a roster that desperately needs the help.
Utah takes a swing to go land Walter Clayton Jr.
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Utah was slated to pick at No. 21, [but perhaps worried](https://hailfloridahail.com/final-big-board-mock-draft-has-walter-clayton-jr-rising-to-a-team-in-need) that the Miami Heat were going to take Clayton at No. 20, the Jazz swung a trade involving three second-round picks to move up three spots.
After finishing 17-65 and missing out on the Cooper Flagg lottery, Utah needed all the help they could find. The Jazz have Keyontae George and Isaiah Collier in their backcourt, who are both younger than Clayton. This could create a bit of a logjam, but it should also create a rotation where Clayton doesn't feel the pressure that he alone has to save Utah.
It was noted on the ESPN broadcast that the Jazz were looking for a shooter, and they have to feel ecstatic about being able to land Clayton. Combined with taking Ace Bailey with the 5th pick, the Jazz became one of the huge winners on the night.
The only bummer for Gator fans is that the Florida legend is going to head west rather than stay in the Sunshine State, but in terms of fit and the ability to grow into the NBA, Clayton found himself a good launching point out in Utah.