Jazz Rookie Walker Kessler Selected for NBA's Rising Stars Event

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is receiving some well deserved recognition.

Author:
Patrick Byrnes
Publish date:
Jan 31, 2023 11:11 PM EST

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Utah Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars game when Salt Lake City hosts the 2023 All-Star game. The exhibition event is composed of first and second-year players along with some NBA G Ignite players selected by NBA’s assistant coaches.

Jazz fans didn’t know what they were getting with Kessler when he arrived from Minnesota as part of the Rudy Gobert trade. However, at this point, it’s safe to say that Walker has exceeded all expectations. Kessler is averaging 7.7 ppg while grabbing 7.3 rebounds in just 20 minutes of work.

The 7-foot big man has recently been inserted in the starting lineup, and the Jazz are 9-4 when he plays at least 25 minutes a game. Whether head coach Will Hardy continues to give Kessler starter minutes now that Kelly Olynyk is back from an ankle injury remains to be seen, but a small sample size has shown the Jazz are much better when he’s on the court.

Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry and ex-Jazz player Deron Williams have also been selected to participate in the exhibition game as legendary coaches. The three-day tournament kicks off on February 17 at Vivint Arena, starting at 7:00 pm MDT.

Meet your 2023 participants.