The Utah Jazz are positioning themselves for a promising future with their recent draft selections, focusing on bolstering their backcourt. The team secured Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick and traded up to pick former Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. This move involved trading guard Collin Sexton, a starter who averaged over 18 points per game last season, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran center Jusuf Nurkic.

Bailey is expected to step into a starting role immediately, with Clayton potentially joining him in the lineup. The Jazz traded up to select Clayton, as Miami was reportedly interested in picking him at No. 20. Clayton's impressive senior year, where he earned first-team All-America honors and helped lead Florida to a national championship, adds to the excitement surrounding his NBA debut. The upcoming Summer League will be crucial for assessing their readiness for the upcoming season.