DETROIT — Walter Clayton Jr. has always been a player who learns by feel. For him, joining a new team isn’t about showing off his scoring right away — it’s about understanding rhythm, spacing, and teammates first.
“You could ask any of my coaches,” Clayton said. “When I’m first integrating myself into a team, I’m always pass-first. I just try to learn everybody.”
That patient approach defined his debut season at Florida after transferring from Iona, where he had been the MAAC Player of the Year and led the team to the NCAA Tournament. In his first game for the Gators, Clayton posted nine points and five assists — numbers that mirrored his selfless, steady play.
Fast forward to his rookie year with the Utah Jazz, and the story feels familiar. Through seven games, Clayton is averaging 3.1 assists per game but taking only 5.3 shots. His unselfish style has impressed coaches, but the Jazz want to see him tap into his scoring instincts, too.
A Rookie Learning to Trust His Shot
“We’re trying to help free up Walt’s brain a little bit,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “He’s trying to be a point guard, get Lauri (Markkanen) involved, and do everything right — but he’s also a really good shooter.”
That balance started to show in Monday’s win over the Boston Celtics. Late in the game, Clayton took a handoff from Kevin Love, drove into the lane, and finished with his left hand — a confident move that earned praise from Hardy. Moments later, he buried a corner 3-pointer to stretch Utah’s lead to double digits.
“That was a big-time shot,” said Keyonte George, who encouraged Clayton to stay aggressive. “He’s keeping it simple now — catch-and-shoots, drives, making easy reads. You can see his confidence growing.”
In that fourth quarter, Clayton recorded five points, three assists, two steals, and two rebounds, helping seal Utah’s win in his first-ever game at TD Garden.
“I grew up watching Paul Pierce, Ray Allen — those battles with Kobe and the Lakers,” Clayton said. “So to play here and feel that history, it’s special. I just wanted to play my game and stop second-guessing myself.”
Isaiah Collier’s Return to the Lineup
The Jazz also welcomed back rookie Isaiah Collier, who missed the start of the season with a hamstring strain. Collier was available in Boston but didn’t log any minutes.
“It feels good to be back around the guys,” Collier said. “I’m just happy to be healthy and part of the team again.”
Collier set the Jazz rookie record for assists last season and even took the starting point guard role from George. But with Utah’s crowded backcourt — three straight first-round guards — finding floor time won’t be easy.
“I haven’t really practiced since the first day of training camp,” Collier admitted. “I just need to get my rhythm back. It’s tough, but I’ve got to stay ready.”
Hardy has urged patience, saying the team wants Collier fully comfortable before reintegrating him into the rotation. “He’ll help us,” Hardy said. “But we want him right, not rushed.”
Celtics’ Complaint Proven Right
The Jazz’s win over Boston didn’t come without controversy. In the final minute, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown was furious over a no-call after colliding with George on a late possession that led to a Jazz fast-break bucket.
On Tuesday, the NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report confirmed Brown’s frustration — officials missed the call.
“George (UTA) slips and falls into Brown’s (BOS) path, tripping Brown,” the report stated.
So, while Brown got vindication, the Jazz kept the victory.
A Rookie Evolving in Real Time
For Clayton, the Celtics game was a turning point — not just for his confidence, but for his role on the team. Hardy and his staff want him to stay instinctive, not overthink each possession.
“I was just a little more sure of myself,” Clayton said. “Doing things 100%, not hesitating.”
If he keeps striking that balance between pass-first poise and scorer’s aggression, the Jazz may have found yet another young guard ready to thrive in Hardy’s developing system.
