It’s not been the most glamorous start to the 2025 No. 18 overall pick’s career. Between limited minutes, a few DNPs and some time in the G League, Walter Clayton Jr. is a long ways away from reaching his status as college basketball’s Most Outstanding Player.
But on Monday night, his performance against the Rockets proved to be a bright spot in the rookie’s early career, and he was a major part in the Jazz’s bounce back victory.
Against the Rockets, while Clayton only scored eight points, he snagged five rebounds, dished out six assists and played some key minutes in the fourth quarter of a close game against one of the best teams in the league.
Jazz head coach Will Hardy went out of his way to compliment the rookie in his postgame press conference.
> “I do want to shout out Walt. It’s his best game as a pro by far. He played really decisive basketball on both sides, came up with a couple of big rebounds, six assists, found Lauri in transition for a big three late, had some great drives downhill in the first half, so I’m really happy for Walt.”
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> — Will Hardy
Hardy also brought up Clayton’s lack of a role before Monday, giving him credit for coming up big when his name was called.
> “His minutes have not been super consistent. He’s ben a little it caught in between, especially on the offensive side I feel like. But he deserves the credit for how he played tonight.”
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> — Will Hardy
Clayton will have a chance to capitalize off this momentum when the Jazz travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Thursday. Keep an eye out to see if Hardy rewards Clayton for his play against the Rockets and gives him more minutes going forward.
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* [Jazz Analysis](/jazz-analysis)
* [Utah Jazz Player Analysis](/utah-jazz-player-analysis)