Walter Clayton Jr. Turns Heads in NBA Summer Debut originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 NBA Summer League began on Saturday, which marked the professional debut for former Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Just 10 days after the Utah Jazz drafted him with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Clayton laced up his sneakers for the first time as a pro and looked right at home.
After an incredible, national championship-winning senior season with the Gators, leading to becoming the first player in program history to earn first-team All-America honors, Clayton enters the professional ranks well-equipped for the task.
On Saturday, Clayton and the Jazz took on the Philadelphia 76ers on the opening night of the Summer League in Salt Lake City, Utah, ending in a 93-89 victory for Utah. Clayton scored nine points, including a pair of made 3-pointers and added six assists, three rebounds and a block.
Florida and Utah fans were locked in on Clayton’s debut, as many were dazzled by his rim-attacking ability, three-point prowess and court vision.
His first bucket as a member of the Jazz was a tough layup over former Auburn Tigers big man Johni Broome, which had the Florida faithful excited.
Walter Clayton Jr. with the TOUGH LAY for 2!
First #NBASummer bucket for the No. 18 pick 👏 pic.twitter.com/ODvDNbZgkM
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025
“Smooth move, rookie came in like he’s been here💪🔥 Welcome to the league,” said one fan.
“Rookie already making his presence felt, love to see it,” added another.
“Walter Clayton Jr. showing off those skills 💪🏀,” chimed in one more. “Great start for the No. 18 pick!👏🔥”
Late in the game, with Utah down by two, Clayton drained his second 3-pointer of the game to put the Jazz back in front.
“I’ve never seen Walter Clayton Jr miss a clutch shot,” said a Florida fan account.
“And the streak continues,” claimed one fan, alluding to Clayton holding the UF record for most consecutive games with a made 3-pointer.
After ending his Florida career with one of the most successful individual seasons in Gators’ history, Clayton showed glimpses of his greatness on Saturday in his first game with the Jazz. Although there will be somewhat of a learning curve for the rookie going against NBA talent, this was a very promising start.
Related: Florida’s 7-foot-9 Center Shines Against Team USA
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.