Surprise Jazz rookie proves he’s ready for an immediate role

The Utah Jazz have revamped their backcourt this season. Not only by putting Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson on the floor, but also by putting Walter Clayton Jr. on the floor. to draw up. Not only did the Jazz take him, but they also traded for him, meaning he was high on their board. Three games into the season, Clayton proves them right.

So much so that Bryce Simons outright talked about the Jazz rookie on “The Game Theory Podcast w/Sam Vecenie” when talking about the rookies who have stood out so far this season.

After Vecenie said Clayton looked pretty solid in his opinion, Simon talked about how easy the transition to the NBA has been for the Florida alum.

“He’s just translated everything he did in college and now he’s doing it on an NBA floor. That’s the best compliment I can give him… He just looks very collected, very patient, all of that. He looks like an NBA player.”

“He does the little things. He came in the other day and took a defensive board on the weak side and tried to take the lead, maybe in one of the games. He’s been good. He’s been very good.”

Clayton’s numbers are pretty solid for a backup point guard, but that’s about it. He’s already doing well as a backup. In fact, he has shown his confidence when Utah gave him a chance. He proved that in their overtime thriller victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Clayton hasn’t played well enough for the Jazz to make changes to their starting lineup — at least not yet — but Utah has a young rotation guard on a rookie contract. Clayton may not be a star in the making, and we don’t know for sure, but it’s impressive to see an NBA player as young as he is looking more than ready to start.

Is Clayton the No. 1 guard of the future in Utah?

Clayton may not dominate the stats, but his poise makes it feel inevitable. If and when his breakout arrives, it could lead to questions about whether he is the Jazz’s best young guard.

It’s funny to think it’s debatable, but it is. Keyonte George has looked better this year, and Isaiah Collier, who is coming off a record-breaking rookie season, has yet to play. If Clayton makes progress, it should make for some pretty fascinating dynamics this season.

All things considered, Utah has exceeded expectations, but there’s no guarantee they’ll continue to play this way. This season is all about who’s worth keeping around. Clayton has already proven in his NBA career so far that he is not afraid of anything. If that continues, or better yet, he improves from here, it’ll be hard not to think he’ll be leading among their guards in no time.