Jazz C Walker Kessler Relegated to Garbage Time Again for Team USA

As this year’s Team USA squad continues preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the coming weeks, they have come into both exhibition matches dominating the competition right off the bat. After the 40+ point demolition of Puerto Rico earlier in the week, the result of their most recent contest vs. Slovenia was not much different.

Instead of a 40-point route, Team USA managed to squeak out a 30-point blowout win on Saturday, 92-62. A well-rounded outing by everyone involved, including Anthony Edwards’s team-high 15 points, a balanced performance by Jalen Brunson (11p, 4r, 8a), and fan-favorite Austin Reaves with a nice line as well (10p, 5r, 4a).

Unfortunately for Utah Jazz fans, center Walker Kessler failed to get any meaningful minutes on the floor once again. It wasn’t until just under four minutes remained in the second half that Kessler finally took the floor for Steve Kerr’s group. He posted just 2 points and one rebound in his slim playing time.

THIS IS WHY YOU PLAY KESSLER IN THE WORLD CUP pic.twitter.com/t6r22lsg1Z
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) August 13, 2023

Not much has seemed to change in Steve Kerr’s rotation when it comes to Kessler since the team’s first FIBA friendly. Despite appearing in two exhibitions with no tournament stakes, Kessler has failed to play over 10 minutes combined.

There is still time for Kessler to generate more responsibility for himself until the opening of the tournament, but Steve Kerr looks to have prioritized offensive versatility and shooting over interior defense and size. Players like Memphis Grizzlies F/C Jaren Jackson Jr., Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero, and even Milwaukee Bucks F/C Bobby Portis have all swallowed up Kessler’s PT.

Getting some valuable experience just being around these calibers of players is crucial for Kessler’s development, so there is still benefit without establishing a consistent place in a 10-man. Obtaining slightly more time in stake-less games before the big event might be a reasonable request, though.

Still, with a few more exhibitions to go until the FIBA World Cup opening on August 25th, there is a viable opportunity for the Jazz center to make up some ground.

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