- The Utah Jazz traded up to No. 18 to select Walter Clayton Jr.
- Clayton, a standout guard, led Florida to a national championship victory.
- Jazz president Austin Ainge praised Clayton's shooting and immediate potential impact.
SALT LAKE CITY — Austin Ainge didn't want to risk waiting.
The new Jazz president of basketball operations had watched Walter Clayton Jr. grow from merely an athletic guard at Iona to a point guard leading Florida to a national championship.
Ainge wanted Clayton's next stop to be in Utah.
So he took matters into his own hands, swinging a deal to move up from No. 21 to No. 18 to get the sharpshooting guard from Florida.
The Jazz traded the 21st pick and 43rd pick, along with two future second-rounders, according to multiple reports, to move up three spots and get Clayton Jr.
The 22-year-old guard averaged 18.3 points and 4.2 assists, and shot 38.6% from 3-point range on 7.8 attempts per game.
And he raised his game when the lights were brightest, averaging 22.3 points during the NCAA Tournament to lead Florida to the national championship. His 34-point game in the national semifinals helped earn him the most outstanding player of the Final Four.
Clayton didn't visit Utah in the pre-draft process — like No. 5 pick Ace Bailey — but said he knew there was some interest from the Jazz.
"I knew it was a possibility," Clayton said. "We had some conversations after I got drafted tonight. They like my skill set. They think I can bring something great for the team."
Ainge called Clayton "tough," "smart," and "an amazing shooter."
And, at 22, he may be ready to help immediately.
"I might be one of the older guys coming in," Clayton said about joining Utah's young roster, "but definitely a great young group, a lot of talent and I think the talent will mesh well."
