How Walter Clayton Jr. can help the Grizzlies get back into championship contention

The rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies lived at both ends of the candidate spectrum in a short window. They pushed the Golden State Warriors a few years ago. last spring, I Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. they once again looked built for a deep run after spending most of the season fighting for the top seed, only to be undermined by injuries when the NBA playoffs arrived. The first-round review underscored just how thin the line is between a dangerous car and a legitimate threat. Given the recent news surrounding Grind City hoops, newcomer Walter Clayton Jr. represents just what is needed to rebuild a title contender.

Clayton Jr. Scouting Profile is clean and translatable. He’s a three-level scorer with NBA-grade gravitas, a comfortable pull-up off the deep catch or dribble, and decisive offense. At Iona and Florida, he functioned as a late-night problem solver, dealing with ball creation while still providing value off the ball through shift shooting. Shot profile matters regardless of how the Ja Morant situation plays out this summer.

In potential lineups targeting Morant, the The Grizzlies need perimeter players who can punish defenders and keep the weak side honest. The shooting gravity of Clayton Jr. widens the driving lanes around Zach Edei anyway. Cedric Coward and Jalen Wells should stop with Clayton Jr. setting the table.

The 2025 NCAA Champion and Final Four Most Outstanding Player from Florida has more upside than Kobe White, Malcolm Brogdon or Jordan Clarkson in Tuomas Yisal’s offense. Matt Golden called the nearly 40 percent three-point shooter a “special talent” built for the big moments. The off-ball sniper could develop into a terrific secondary creator just in time to help the Grizzlies overcome a first-round upset once again. Clayton Jr. is the closer in waiting who will push Cam Spencer in every batting practice.

When he turned 23 in March, the 18th overall pick, his lack of elite burst limited him against taller defenders. Finishing through contact can be an issue, and his defense is inconsistent, though he has the tools (quick feet, instincts) to improve. Although not a closeted athlete, Clayton Jr. is strong, tough and basically healthy. Novak moves well on screens, maintains his stance and provides the kind of ball pressure that fits the identity of the city of Grind.

Clayton Jr.’s projected role looks to be roughly 15-20 minutes per game in the regular season, with the potential for expanded responsibilities. He’ll run pick-and-rolls with backup big men like GG Jackson and pass the floor, working on Ty Jerome. It’s a win on the margins that could pay huge dividends sooner rather than later.

EVP/GM Zach Kleiman promised a quick rebuild after the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. Nabbing Clayton Jr. the deal was a big part of that process. The Grizzlies are clawing their way back into the championship conversation one calculated move at a time. This could be the kind of addition that makes all the difference between another premature exit and a deep run in 2027.