Walker Kessler has impressed everyone in his rookie season in the NBA with the Utah Jazz. The young center will only get better from here and there are some signs that he may develop into a real deal with more years under his belt.
Recently in an analysis made by ‘Inside the Jazz’ writer Andrew Rembacz feels that though Walker Kessler might now become a better defender than Gobert, he can develop into a spectacular big man that Utah Jazz needs in the long run.
“Kessler may never become the defensive stalwart that Gobert was, but he’s on track to becoming one of the top centers in the league,” Rembacz wrote.
Kessler played at North Carolina during his college days before shifting to Auburn for the 2020-21 season. There he averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game and won the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year award given to the best defender in College basketball.
The young big was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 22nd overall pick in 2022 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The youngster was moved again a couple of weeks later when he was involved in the Rudy Gobert trade, making his way to the Utah Jazz.
Last season the youngster averaged 9.2 points 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He finished third in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting behind the likes of Paolo Banchero and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams. Kessler had a tremendous impact on the Jazz at such a young age.
Walker could be one of the best centers in the NBA in the coming days. The 7-foot center is a splendid shot blocker and has earned the moniker “Blocker Kessler”. While many feel he may not be as good a defender as Gobert and win as many Defensive Player of the Year awards (3), there will be no surprise if he actually brings his game up to the Frenchman’s level.
He is a great rim protector and can divert and block shots. He is mostly known for his defensive play on the court but he has the qualities to become a solid scorer. He touched the 20-point mark five times last season. It included a 31-point game against the Sacramento Kings and a 20 points, 21-rebound game against Minnesota Timberwolves.
It is well and truly possible that the youngster develops into a great center in a few years. He surely has the talent and needs to work on some areas to be a solid center for the Jazz.
