NBA Insider reflects on Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler’s future, stating that despite being an elite defender, he is still a work in progress.
The Utah Jazz are focusing on player development for the 2023-24 season, with a focus on Utah’s 2023 draft class. Walker Kessler, a second-placed defensive blocker, has not missed a beat, despite slightly lower offensive numbers from his rookie campaign. Despite playing only 23.5 minutes per contest, Kessler remains among the best-shot blockers in the league.
ESPN NBA insider Tim MacMahon discussed Kessler’s defensive prowess and his trending in his sophomore season during a conversation with Spence Checketts on ESPN 700.
MacMahon believes Walker Kessler, despite not achieving the expected steps after a strong rookie year, is still a high-quality center in the NBA.
Jazz front office will be considering buying stock in Kessler, who can be a starter at the NBA level but will also be considered a championship contender. MacMahon believes that Kessler needs to improve his screen skills to be a factor on a good team. He believes that a non-shooting 7-footer in today’s NBA and a poor screener cannot be a factor on a good team. The primary focus this offseason should be on mastering the art and science of screening, as it was the most popular thing in Utah for Rudy Gobert’s career.
Kessler’s offensive half-court sets have not been successful, with an average of 2.2 screen assists per game and 5.2 points per game of screens he sets. Gobert is second in the league with 11.7 points per game and 4.9 screen assists per game, indicating that Kessler’s numbers don’t meet the needs of his team.
Kessler’s issues with space, shooting outside five feet, and poor free-throw shooting led to his removal from the starting lineup. Taylor Hendricks, a rookie center, offers more offensive value and fits better in positionless basketball. Although it’s too early to determine if Hendricks will hold water, he offers more on offense than Kessler.
Hendricks, a versatile NBA player, has the potential to become an elite shotmaker in various positions. His strength lies in his ability to guard the opponent’s best player. Jazz head coach Will Hardy has given him challenging defense assignments, and his length and foot speed make him a formidable opponent for elite NBA wings. If Hendricks continues to improve, it will be challenging for Kessler to return to the starting lineup.
Kessler’s rotation status is assured due to his defense presence, but his potential for starting job advancement depends on his offensive improvement during the offseason.
