Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler

21-Year-Old CenterC
Utah Jazz  NBA  
Utah Jazz
2022 Fantasy Outlook
After initially being drafted by the Timberwolves, Kessler was abruptly traded to Utah as part of the Rudy Gobert deal. Landing with the Jazz, Kessler actually finds himself in what could be a favorable spot as the potential starting center. Coming out of college, Kessler was regarded as arguably the best rim protector in the draft, averaging 4.6 swats in just over 25 minutes per game last year at Auburn. His skillset could translate quite well into fantasy, especially if the Jazz opts to roll with him as their primary option. Currently, he will be battling Udoka Azubuike, Kelly Olynyk, Cody Zeller for center minutes heading into camp. Kessler is intriguing as a standard-league flier for fantasy managers who need help in that category at the end of drafts. However, he'll likely be a more practical draft pick in deeper formats. Read Past Outlooks
$Signed a two-year, $5.53 million contract with the Jazz in July of 2022. Contract includes $2.97 million team option for 2024-25.
Personal Bio/PreCareer Summary

Walker Kessler was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 26, 2001. In high school, he played for Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia and averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game during his senior season. He also led his high school squad to the Class 4A state title and was later named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year, Mr. Georgia Basketball and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. Kessler was also rewarded with a selection to the McDonald's All-American Game. As a five-star recruit, Kessler committed to play college basketball for coach Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels. On March 10, 2021, the seven-foot center posted 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks during a 101-59 win over Notre Dame in the second round of the ACC Tournament. However, Kessler decided to transfer after his freshman season with the Tar Heels and chose Auburn over Gonzaga. On Dec. 29, 2021, Kessler recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 11 blocks and 10 rebounds against LSU. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, Kessler was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, a member of the All-SEC First Team and a Third Team All American. Regarded as one of the best shot blockers in his class, Kessler declared for the 2022 NBA Draft and chose to forgo his remaining college eligibility. Kessler was drafted by the Grizzlies with the 22nd overall pick.

Tallies career-high point total
CUtah Jazz
March 25, 2023
Kessler ended with 31 points (14-16 FG, 3-6 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Saturday's 121-113 loss to Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
The Jazz were without Lauri Markkanen (hand) again for this contest, freeing up more offensive opportunities for Kessler. The latter was unusually prolific with his shot attempts, putting up 16 after averaging just 5.8 field-goal tries over his previous five contests. Kessler had good reason to keep hoisting shots Saturday, as he made 14 of the 16 attempts en route to a career-best point total. The big man is already a valuable fantasy asset due to his work as a rebounder and shot blocker, and if he uses this performance as a springboard to a bigger role on offense, his value could shoot through the roof.
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Walker Kessler See More
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18 days ago
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Rapid scoring uptick
CUtah Jazz
December 21, 2022
Kessler is averaging 10.1 points per game through his last 10 contests. He's logged seven games with double-digit scoring over that span, including a career-high 20-point effort.
ANALYSIS
Kessler ranks second league-wide with a 73.1 true-shooting percentage. Prior to the aforementioned 10-game span, Kessler was averaging just 5.0 points per game. There will be volatility, but the rookie is trending upward.
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More Fantasy News
Provides pivotal block in win
CUtah Jazz
March 21, 2023
Kessler finished Monday's 128-120 win over the Kings with 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-4 FT), eight rebounds, five blocks and two assists in 30 minutes.
ANALYSIS
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Swats shot to seal win
CUtah Jazz
March 19, 2023
Kessler racked up 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-5 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist and three blocks over 34 minutes during Saturday's 118-117 win over Boston.
ANALYSIS
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Dazzles in paint Saturday
CUtah Jazz
March 12, 2023
Kessler provided 17 points (8-10 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds, three blocks and one assist across 32 minutes during Saturday's 119-111 victory over the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
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Double-doubles in return
CUtah Jazz
March 10, 2023
Kessler (illness) ended with 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 32 minutes during Thursday's 131-124 victory over the Magic.
ANALYSIS
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Good to go Thursday
CUtah Jazz
March 9, 2023
Kessler (illness) is available for Thursday's game versus the Magic.
ANALYSIS
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