The Dallas Mavericks just made their final roster addition before Wednesday’s season opener, signing former Iona and Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. to a two-way contract. It’s a move they made right before dropping their first game 128-110 against the Houston Rockets, so getting some fresh energy onto the squad is probably a good thing.
From NCAA Tournament MOP to NBA Wanderer
You know the name Walter Clayton Jr., right? If you don’t, you definitely missed the 2025 NCAA Tournament because this dude was *everywhere*. He pretty much single-handedly carried his Florida Gators through clutch moment after clutch moment. We’re talking Round of 32 against UConn, that absolutely unreal comeback versus Texas Tech in the Elite Eight, and then pulling heroics in the National Championship game against Houston. Anytime Florida needed a bucket, Clayton Jr. was the guy. He was even the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Yeah, *that* MOP.
But you’re probably thinking, “Okay, college. What about the pros?” Well, that’s where it gets a little wild. He got drafted 18th overall in the 2025 Draft by the Utah Jazz, but they weren’t exactly trying to win, so he wasn’t always put in the best spot to shine. Then, BAM, he was part of the package the Grizzlies demanded when Utah traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. So, he spent the last 24 games of the season in Memphis. Same story there, Memphis wasn’t exactly contending, so the looks were tough. But here’s the kicker: Clayton Jr. actually stepped up his playmaking for the Grizzlies, dishing out nearly six dimes per contest. And to top it all off, he was absolutely on fire by the end of last regular season, shooting a ridiculous 50% from deep and 47% overall in the month of April. That’s a serious surge.
Dallas Scoops Up a Clutch Performer
So, how’d he end up in Dallas? Memphis had a roster crunch and had to cut bait, leaving him without a spot. After a short wait clearing waivers, Dallas swooped in. And get this: he’s now joining Cooper Flagg, who was the highest drafted player from that same 2025 NCAA Tournament. Talk about a reunion.
What’s Dallas getting in Clayton Jr.? A fearless player. Seriously, you don’t hit those outrageous shots in college without some serious guts, and he’s got ’em in spades. At 6’2″, he’s gotta be smart about getting his outside shots off, but he’s also a super physical, crafty finisher. Yahoo! Sports reported he shot over 60% at the rim in his final year at Florida. That’s efficiency right there. He’s shown flashes, even struggling in the NBA last season, but that clutch gene and fearless approach is something you can’t teach.
With the Mavs already taking an early season L, getting Walter Clayton Jr. on a two-way contract could be exactly what they need. He’s shown he can step up when it matters, and that kind of late-season shooting last April? That’s the kind of spark you want to see if it can translate consistently. Dallas is definitely hoping that fearless, clutch player from the 2025 NCAA Tournament is ready to bring that fire to their lineup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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