Because of how awesome Ace Bailey has looked to start this preseason, his play has overshadowed the Utah Jazz's addition of rookie Walter Clayton Jr.. Clayton is coming off an NCAA title, and Utah traded up to get him at the draft. There's no telling what his statistical output will be in his rookie year, but Will Hardy and Walker Kessler basically confirmed why the Jazz picked him: the culture he creates.
While talking with reporters on October 12, Hardy explained why he loves coaching someone like Clayton.
“He has a huge chip on his shoulder," Hardy told reporters on October 12. "He has an edge to him... I love coaching guys like that, that get a little salty in different moments because he's frustrated when he's not playing as well as he wants to or he made a mistake on that possession. I think it’s a combination of his intelligence and his competitiveness in those moments where he’s like, ‘No, screw this. I’m gonna get it right.’”
Will Hardy talked about Walt Clayton Jr.’s approach to the game, his ability to adjust quickly on the floor, and his competitive streak. #TakeNote | @kslsports pic.twitter.com/TxEHISskIG
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 13, 2025
Clayton's stock rose astronomically during his final collegiate season at Florida after they made a surprise March Madness run to the title. Having to work from the ground up goes a long way in turning a player into a leader. From the sounds of things, Clayton already has the makings of a leader in the Jazz's locker room.
Walker Kessler revealed that Clayton brings out the best in his teammates
Kessler echoed a similar sentiment about Clayton, revealing why it's important to have guys like him on the team.
“I think it brings out that dog in all the players," Kessler told reporters on October 14. "I think it’s contagious. When you have a guy like that on your team, you want to play hard. You want to play for that dude. You want to compete together. You look around the league and winning cultures, they have one or two guys ike that, but they, in turn, all are like that.”
The Jazz will spend the next year or so assembling a perennial playoff contender. From the looks of things, they already have some of those pieces, like Kessler as their designated rim protector and rebounder, Hardy as their guide, maybe Bailey as their centerpiece, and Brice Sensabaugh as their three-point threat.
What can help a team reach its potential is having a leader who can set the tone. That's what the Jazz had with the likes of Mike Conley Jr. He wasn't their best player, but he was their leader, which is why Utah didn't turn out too bad at first, even when they traded Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in 2022.
Clayton could be a similar player archetype. Utah won't count on him to be their best player, but rather be the guy that can motivate everyone to play as a unit. If Clayton winds up being Conley 2.0 in the process, then they will absolutely have a title culture.