Walker Kessler Marked With ‘Highest Ceiling’ of Youthful Jazz Core

When looking at the cornerstones of this Utah Jazz roster, it’s hard to ignore the stature of 2022 first-round pick Walker Kessler. Coming off an extremely encouraging debut season and becoming a finalist for Rookie of the Year, there is a ton for this young center to build on looking forward.

Standing 7-1 with an elite defensive build and skillset, Kessler has already made a name for himself as one of the best young bigs in this league. In just 23 minutes played a night, he averaged a statline consistent of 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. That opportunity and responsibility only forecast to keep increasing going into year two.

The positive reputation surrounding Kessler seems consistent across the national stage, as Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report recently gave him the title of the "highest ceiling" this Jazz team has to offer:

"When Minnesota traded for Rudy Gobert, Walker Kessler felt more like a mere throw in. After his rookie season, it feels like a massive mistake. His numbers as a rookie compare favorably with Gobert's second season in the NBA. As a result, the Jazz are getting early Gobert production at a fraction of the cost...Kessler has the makings of a defensive anchor similar to what Gobert provided for all those years. He finished fourth in blocks per game at 2.3, and the Jazz's defense was four points worse when he was off the floor... Showing early on in his career his defensive ability, it's clear that it will not be long until he is a defensive anchor in the mold of Gobert."

After the Jazz opted to sign C Rudy Gobert to his massive 5-year, $200 million extension in 2020, many fans questioned whether the price or even the idea of the deal entirely crippled this ability for this team to build a competent roster down the line.

Fast forward three years later, Utah managed to dodge a massive bullet. Kessler provided similar, if not better production than Gobert had in Minnesota, remaining at a contract difference of around $40 million and an age difference close to a decade.

The Jazz have collected many high-potential players throughout their most recent two drafts, looking to continue that trend with a bundle of first-round picks to look forward to. Kessler’s trajectory indicates a strong year two with much more to follow.

Now fully cemented as this team’s starting center in his sophomore year should continue to make The Sheriff an absolute blast to watch for all Jazz fans.

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