Jazz C Walker Kessler Gets Disrespected in First Team USA Appearance

Kicking off with Team USA’s FIBA exhibition opener against Puerto Rico last night, some aspects of the contest went extremely well. For starters, the team took home an impressive 43-point win, 117-74 with NBA stars shining on both ends of the floor.

Among some of the stars that showed out, New York Knicks G Jalen Brunson had a big night with a double-double (11p, 12r), Minnesota Timberwolves G Anthony Edwards had an all-around showing (15p, 4a, 4s), and even Brooklyn Nets F Cameron Johnson played well off the bench (15p, 6r).

While things looked bright for the U.S. in many facets, one of the few players that got the short end of the stick in last night’s game was Utah Jazz C, Walker Kessler.

With such an early, dominating performance in an exhibition game, this would be the opportunity you expect to see a player like Kessler have a larger role. Being a second-year player craving that invaluable experience, getting as much of it as you can early on can be immensely beneficial.

Despite this, Steve Kerr is seemingly doing everything he can to limit the amount of run Kessler will have during this tournament. Jaren Jackson Jr., Bobby Portis, and even Paolo Banchero gobbled up about every potential minute at the center position. This left Kessler with just a slim four minutes to play, still posting an efficient 5 points and 4 rebounds during his time on the floor.

Walker Kessler last night vs. Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 for Team USA 🇺🇸:
• 5 points
• 4 rebounds
• 2-4 FG
• 4 minutes
It would be nice to see Kessler get a bit more time on the floor, but it’s hard to argue with Steve Kerr’s tactics after a 43 point victory…🥴
pic.twitter.com/d94y9wLtNu
— Utah Jazz On SI (@JazzOnSI) August 8, 2023

Without totally overreacting to just one meaningless FIBA exhibition, given that minutes and opportunity are subject to change, it is underwhelming to see Kessler already essentially phased out of the rotation. Knicks' guard Josh Hart also faced some trouble last night establishing an early role in the lineup with his zero minutes played.

Kessler showed some efficient production when we saw him on the court, so that may translate to a larger role down the line. As for now, though, Kerr has some clear favorites to play as his big man for this tournament.

Coach Kerr detailed one of his unique strategies to play Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero at center during his time in FIBA via ESPN’s Tim Bontemps:

“He's gonna play some 5. One of the things we found in [2021] in the Tokyo Olympics was having a 5 who can push the ball and transition and create plays is very difficult for FIBA teams to handle. So he can play some 4, as he showed, but he'll play plenty of 5, as well."

There will be some steep competition Kessler will be going against this summer, whether it be from opposing teams or on his own.

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