Report: Jazz Shutting Down Rookie Center Walker Kessler

According to ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon, Utah Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler will most likely be shut down for the season.

“Source: Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler is entering concussion protocol, likely ending his season. Kessler is expected to be an All-Rookie selection after averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 72% from the floor," McMahon tweeted on Monday.

Source: Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler is entering concussion protocol, likely ending his season.

Kessler is expected to be an All-Rookie selection after averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 72% from the floor.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 3, 2023

This news isn’t surprising considering the type of injury and where the Jazz are trending to end the season. Jazz head coach Will Hardy commented on the injury that occurred Sunday versus the Brooklyn Nets.

"He's alive," Hardy said. ”I just saw him. He'll get reevaluated tomorrow after getting hit in the face or to the side of the head with an elbow. Kind of a weird play on a rebound. Docs looked at him and didn't want him to come back in the game."

Acquired in the Rudy Gobert trade last summer, Kessler was thought of as a late first-round pick project, but as it stands now, he’s the only remaining player from that transaction currently rostered with the Jazz.

Kessler established himself as an elite shot blocker and a capable scorer with a soft touch around the rim. The 7-footer out of Auburn started the season coming off the bench but became the starting center when Kelly Olynyk injured his ankle midway through the season.

Looking back, the development of Kessler and All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen were the biggest storylines this year. The Jazz will be looking to make some tweaks to the roster this summer, but it's a safe bet that Kessler will be the starting center next year and beyond.

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