Basketball fans are pretty intense. When you lead the Florida Gators to a national championship and then get snatched up as a first-round pick by the Washington Wizards—only to land with the Utah Jazz—people aren't just looking at your jump shot anymore. They want to know the personal stuff. Specifically, a question has been buzzing around Gainesville and now Salt Lake City: does Walter Clayton Jr. have a kid?
The short answer? Yeah, he does.
But it’s not just some trivia point. If you ask Walter, being a dad is basically the engine behind his entire career right now. He’s been very open about how having a daughter changed his perspective on the game, taking him from a "hooper" to a man with a massive "why."
Meeting Leilani Leigh Clayton
Walter Clayton Jr. and his longtime girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Leilani Leigh Clayton, on December 11, 2023.
She was born in Lakeland, Florida, weighing in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces. At the time, Walter was right in the thick of his junior season with the Gators. Can you imagine the stress? You're trying to navigate the SEC, one of the most brutal conferences in college sports, while holding a newborn.
Honestly, most college kids can barely handle a midterm and a laundry pile. Walter was out there dropping 20 points a night and then going home to change diapers. He actually posted on Instagram shortly after her birth, calling Leilani his "new why." It's a sentiment he's doubled down on in interviews. He told The Independent Florida Alligator that fatherhood forced him to grow up fast. He realized that his performance on the court wasn't just about his own stats or NBA dreams anymore—it was about providing.
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The Team Behind the Player: Tatiyana Burney
You can't really talk about Walter's daughter without mentioning Tatiyana. These two aren't just some random couple; they’re childhood sweethearts who have been together since middle school in Lake Wales.
That’s some serious longevity.
When Walter transferred from Iona in New York back home to Florida, it wasn't just a "basketball move." It was a family move. Tatiyana eventually moved up to Gainesville to live with him, helping manage the chaos of a high-stakes athletic career and a toddler. Walter has been quick to give her the credit, calling her an "unrivaled teammate."
- Birth Date: December 11, 2023
- Mother: Tatiyana Burney
- Relationship: Middle school sweethearts
- The "Why": Walter credits Leilani for his increased maturity and focus.
During the Gators' legendary 2024-2025 run, you could often spot Tatiyana in the stands holding Leilani, who usually sported some custom "Clayton Jr." gear. She was there when they beat Tennessee for the SEC title and there again when the Gators took down Houston for the national championship.
Why Fatherhood Matters for His NBA Career
When Walter entered the 2025 NBA Draft, scouts weren't just looking at his 3-point percentage. They were looking at his "makeup"—the internal grit that makes a player reliable.
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Having a kid changes the math for a pro athlete. For Walter, it seemingly eliminated the "distraction" phase many rookies go through. Instead of hitting the clubs, he’s focused on the Utah Jazz rotation. He’s spoken about wanting to create "generational wealth."
That’s a heavy term for a 22-year-old.
But it makes sense when you see him on the court. There’s a certain level of poise he has—a "grown man" game—that likely comes from the fact that his stakes are higher than most. He isn't just playing for a contract; he’s playing for Leilani's future.
The Transition to the Pros
Since being drafted 18th overall in 2025, Walter has had a bit of a rollercoaster rookie year with the Jazz. He’s spent time with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League to keep his reps up, but he’s also had big moments in the NBA, like a 15-point outing against Oklahoma City in early 2026.
Through the trades and the travel, the family unit has stayed tight. It’s rare to see a young star so grounded by a relationship that started before he even had a driver's license, but that seems to be the secret sauce for Walter Clayton Jr.
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Real Insights for Fans
If you're following Walter's career, understand that his personal life is the foundation of his professional "ice-cold" demeanor. Fans often wonder if personal responsibilities slow an athlete down, but in this case, it seems to have acted as a turbo-booster.
What to watch for next:
Keep an eye on Walter’s consistency in the Jazz rotation as the 2026 season progresses. His maturity is his biggest asset. If you’re looking for his updates, he’s most active on Instagram under w.cjr, where he occasionally shares glimpses of "Dad Life" alongside his highlights.
Basically, the kid from Lake Wales grew up, became a father, and became a champion all in the span of about eighteen months. It’s a lot to process, but he seems to be handling it better than most.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Follow his G League progress: If he's not getting minutes in Utah, check the Salt Lake City Stars box scores; he usually dominates there.
- Look for the "Why": Next time he hits a clutch shot, notice his celebration. He often plays for the family sitting in the front rows.
- Support the journey: Keep an eye on his "generational wealth" goals—he’s likely to be a staple in the league for a long time due to that focused mindset.