Mavericks' thin backcourt would hand Walter Clayton Jr. a golden opportunity

From college basketball star to the 18th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to being waived, all within two years, Walter Clayton Jr.'s basketball journey has been anything but linear.

The Mavericks' backcourt has a clear need for Walter Clayton Jr.

Nonetheless, the NBA is an opportunity-driven league, and after the Memphis Grizzlies cut ties with Clayton, the Dallas Mavericks, a reported leading suitor, could offer the 23-year-old a chance he didn't get in Utah or Memphis. With Dallas' thin backcourt, Clayton could have a real chance to shine, even on a two-way contract.

The Mavericks' point guard depth chart is thin, to say the least. As it stands, it includes 34-year-old Kyrie Irving, coming off a torn ACL and hasn't played more than 60 games in a season in eight years; offseason addition Marcus Sasser; and 20-year-old rookie Sergio de Larrea. And perhaps even worse, the shooting guard depth chart consists of Zaccharie Risacher and Max Christie — two wings who aren't natural initiators.

All in all, the Mavericks' backcourt is far from a strength. Thus, any infusion of credible talent would surely be welcomed in Big D, which explains Marc Stein's report of Dallas' interest in former first-round pick Clayton.

But this is about more than taking a swing on a former first-round pick or adding much-needed guard depth. It's about bringing in a player who could make an immediate impact in the Mavericks' depleted backcourt.

Clayton could address two of Dallas' biggest weaknesses

In his senior year at Florida, Clayton led the Gators to a National Championship while averaging 18.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 3-pointers per game. His dynamic shotmaking, playmaking, positional flexibility in the backcourt, and toughness all seemed like surefire skills to translate to the NBA. Yet, he hasn't had many opportunities to showcase those skills at the next level, having been traded midway through his rookie season and having suited up for a pair of rebuilding teams.

As unfortunate as it was for Clayton to be part of the Grizzlies' roster cuts just a year into his NBA career, the Mavericks would offer him a fresh start. Rather than sticking with a team navigating the early stages of a full-fledged rebuild, the former and supposedly seasoned first-round pick would have a clearer path to making an impact in Dallas.

On top of bolstering the Mavericks' depth, Clayton's shotmaking and playmaking would be essential. Dallas was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league a season ago and ranked near the bottom in both passes and assists. And, in the offseason, the Mavericks didn't do much to address either shortcoming.

Clayton won't immediately come in and rectify these issues. He averaged just 7.8 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 3-pointers per game as a rookie before ultimately being released. But the potential is there. Clayton isn't far removed from one of the more memorable seasons in college basketball, and if there's a team that could bring that version of him out, it could easily be Dallas.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow