Walter Clayton Jr. was named the Memphis Grizzlies' top breakout candidate for the 2026-27 season.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz named Walter Clayton Jr. the Memphis Grizzlies' top breakout candidate for the 2026-27 season.
Here is why:
"Clayton Jr. saw an increased role following a trade to the Grizzlies in the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal and even started six games as a rookie. The former Florida star averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 41.9 percent from three on a healthy 31 attempts during those starts. With Ja Morant gone, Clayton should have a big role again for Memphis, either as a starter or a key reserve."
The Grizzlies acquired Clayton Jr. from the Utah Jazz in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade last season. Since Ja Morant and KCP are gone, Clayton Jr.'s usage rate should be high next season.
For the Jazz and Grizzlies last season, Clayton Jr. averaged 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 38.4% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 90.1% from the free-throw line.
Clayton played in 24 games with Memphis after the Jackson Jr. trade. The Florida product put up 9.7 points per game with the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies went 25-57 last season. They traded Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers this offseason and drafted their new franchise player, Cam Boozer.
In Summer League, Boozer played well, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 45.2% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 77.3% from the free-throw line.
The youngster made the Summer League First Team and led Memphis to the championship game, a contest the Golden State Warriors won.
Selected third overall in the 2026 draft behind AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, Boozer is expected to be a day-one starter for the Grizzlies next season alongside Cedric Coward, last season's All-Rookie First Team selection.
Boozer's combination of playmaking, physicality and positional flexibility as a 6-foot-10 forward has drawn comparisons to the multi-skilled roster construction that defined the New York Knicks' 2025-26 championship approach, per Tony Jones of The Athletic.
“Versatility is the name of the game. That’s what teams are looking for,” Boozer told The Athletic. “Teams want five guys who can make plays. Look at the Knicks this year. Everyone on that team was capable of doing more than one thing. Everyone was capable of playing on or off the basketball. That’s what I feel like I can do best. I can screen. I can handle it. You can put me in a lot of different scenarios.”
The Grizzlies may be fun to watch next season, but they will likely be a lottery team.
However, in the long run, that's good so that the front office can acquire more talent around Boozer in future drafts.
