Impact Kessler will replace Kelly Olynyk (ankle) in the starting five Tuesday. The rookie big man is averaging 9.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 25.0 minutes across his previous six starts.
JANUARY 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
WALKER KESSLER #24 - CENTER - UTAH JAZZ
9.4 PPG •
10.6 RPG •
1.1 APG
9.4 PPG
10.6 RPG
1.1 APG
Gets starting nod Kessler is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup versus the Cavaliers, Andy reports.
Rejections-a-plenty Sunday Kessler posted 10 points (5-7 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist and six blocks over 23 minutes during Sunday's 123-118 loss to the Grizzlies.
Impact Kessler was a force to be reckoned with in the loss, swatting a career-high six shots to go with 11 boards. With Kelly Olynyk re-injuring his ankle late in the piece, Kessler could be in line for an uptick in playing time. The Jazz have already verbalized the fact that they expect Olynyk to miss time, music to the ears of anyone rostering Kessler. Monitor the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers but if the stars align, Kessler could be about to stamp his authority on things.
JANUARY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Tallies 12 boards, three blocks Kessler closed Saturday's 126-123 loss to Miami with five points (2-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, three blocks and one steal in 30 minutes.
Impact Kessler logged at least 30 minutes for just the second time in his career, soaking up some additional playing time with Jarred Vanderbilt in early foul trouble. There is certainly a case to be made that Kessler is already a better option than Vanderbilt. The former has put up top-60 value over the past month despite playing just 23 minutes per night. Obviously, his offerings are limited to just rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage, meaning he won't be a good fit for everyone. With that said, his floor is safe enough that he shouldn't be on most waiver wires.
JANUARY 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Moves to bench Kessler isn't in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Kelly Olynyk will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup from Kessler on Wednesday. The rookie big man is averaging 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 26.3 minutes across his last four appearances.
DECEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Two rejections in spot start Kessler posted 11 points (5-5 FG, 1-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Monday's 122-99 loss to Cleveland.
Impact With Kelly Olynyk (ankle) in street clothes, Kessler got the start at center and put together a well-rounded line in the box score. The 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has made three starts in nine December contests while seeing his role grow in the Utah frontcourt, averaging 10.1 points, 8.8 boards and 2.4 blocks in 22.1 minutes a game on the month while shooting an absurd 81.3 percent from the floor.
DECEMBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Draws spot start Monday Kessler will start Monday's contest against the Cavaliers, Spencer Davies of BasketballNews.com reports.
Impact Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is out, paving the way for Kessler to draw his third career start. In his previous two starts, the rookie center has averaged 8.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game. Kessler figures to see a similar role Monday, though he faces a tough matchup against Cleveland's formidable frontcourt.
DECEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Outplays Vanderbilt on Thursday Kessler finished with 11 points (4-4 FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal in 28 minutes in Thursday's 132-129 overtime win over the Pelicans.
Impact Though he came off the bench for the third game in a row with Jarred Vanderbilt, having reclaimed a starting gig in the frontcourt, Kessler has remained highly productive. The rookie center has swatted exactly three shots in each of those three contests, and he's also averaging 10.7 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 65 percent from the field over that stretch. Kessler notably saw seven more minutes than Vanderbilt on Thursday, so the move to the bench shouldn't be taken as evidence that Kessler will be moving into a smaller role.
DECEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
How Walker Kessler is continuing to exceed expectations in the NBA At this time last year, most of the most mock drafts had already identified Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Jaden Ivey as t...
DECEMBER 15, 2022 • 247SPORTS.COM
Swallows 16 boards Tuesday Kessler supplied 11 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds and three blocks across 23 minutes during Tuesday's 121-100 victory over the Pelicans.
Impact Kessler did all of his damage in 23 minutes Tuesday, flashing his tremendous per-minute upside once again. The 16 rebounds marked a career-high for the rookie, while he has now blocked at least three shots in four of his past five games. Despite playing just 22 minutes per night over the past two weeks, he has been able to put up top-35 production. His path to bigger minutes is not clear, but even in a limited role, he is very close to being a must-roster player.
DECEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Zion Williamson POSTER Dunk on Walker Kessler | New Orleans Pelicans
DECEMBER 14, 2022 • YOUTUBE
Returns to bench Kessler isn't in the starting five for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Jarred Vanderbilt will replace Kessler in the starting lineup Saturday. Kessler will move back to the bench after starting in the previous two games.
DECEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Double-double in first career start Kessler amassed 10 points (5-6 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist and five blocks across 24 minutes during Wednesday's 124-123 win over the Warriors.
Impact A product of the Rudy Gobert trade, Kessler found himself in a better spot with a team in rebuild mode, and it was only a matter of time before the highly-touted first-round pick would find his way into the starting five. It took a couple of injuries on the roster to get there, but he logged his first career start in the narrow win and posted his best rebound total of the season. Wednesday marked only the fourth time Kessler has posted double-digit scoring, but the rookie should continue to be a solid contributor in the paint as the first man on the floor after Kelly Olynyk. The two shared the court in Wednesday's win, a move made to create a height advantage inside against the Warriors.
DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Making first career start Kessler is in the starting five Wednesday versus Golden State, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Kessler is making his first career start two games removed from his best performance of the year. The rookie has averaged 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23 appearances off the bench.
DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Career-best performance in win Kessler ended Friday's 139-119 victory over the Pacers with 20 points (7-7 FG, 6-8 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 25 minutes.
Impact Kessler enjoyed his best game as a pro Friday, establishing his high mark in scoring with 20 points while making all seven of his field-goal attempts. The talented rookie also grabbed a career-high 11 boards to record his first NBA double-double. While Kessler can't usually be counted on as a scorer, he's been quite reliable as a shot blocker of late, posting multiple swats in four of his past six contests.
DECEMBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Another four blocks Wednesday Kessler finished Wednesday's 125-112 win over the Clippers with five points (2-3 FG, 1-3 FT), four rebounds and four blocks in 22 minutes.
Impact Kessler did what he does best in the win, swatting a game-high four shots off the bench. Despite the low minutes, he is proving to be one of the best shot blockers in the league. He is currently averaging 1.6 blocks per game in only 15.4 minutes. As long as the Jazz are contending, his role is unlikely to change too much, leaving him as an elite streaming option across all competitive leagues.
DECEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Swats five shots in loss Kessler chipped in five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and five blocks over 21 minutes during Wednesday's 125-116 loss to the Pistons.
Impact Kessler has yet to figure out how to become a consistent scorer, but the rookie has shown on several occasions his potential as a shot blocker. His five swats Wednesday were the most he has recorded in a single game thus far in his brief career, exceeding the four blocks he posted in his second NBA contest Oct. 21. Kessler is averaging 1.5 blocks across 15.2 minutes per game, tops among all NBA rookies.
NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Not on injury report Kessler (illness) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
Impact Kessler sat out the past three games due to an illness. In his five appearances, he's averaged 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists in 16.6 minutes.
NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Joining team on road trip Kessler (illness) will join the Jazz on the team's upcoming three-game road trip, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Kessler took part in shootaround Monday before being ruled out of the evening's contest. It looks like he's trending toward a return at some point on the road trip, though it's unclear yet if he will be ready for the first road game Wednesday versus the Mavericks. More information on that front should surface when the team releases its injury report.
NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out Monday Kessler (illness) will not take the court against the Grizzlies on Monday.
Impact Kessler will miss his third consecutive game due to a non-COVID illness despite taking part in shootaround Monday morning. His absence could spell more minutes for Kelly Olynyk and Jarred Vanderbilt, while Udoka Azubuike is a candidate to break into the Utah rotation.
OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Participates in shootaround Kessler (illness) participated in Utah's shootaround Monday, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Kessler has missed the last two games due to an illness and is questionable for Monday's matchup against Memphis, but his participation in the team's shootaround is encouraging. However, it's not yet clear whether he'll ultimately be able to suit up for Monday's game.
OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Questionable Monday Kessler (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Grizzlies, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.
Impact Kessler has missed Utah's last two games due to an illness, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available Monday. If he's sidelined again, Udoka Azubuike and Jarred Vanderbilt should see increased playing time.
OCTOBER 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Out again Saturday Kessler (illness) is out Saturday against the Grizzlies.
Impact Kessler, along with Mike Conley (rest), Simone Fontecchio (COVID-19 protocols) and Rudy Gay (COVID-19 protocols) are sidelined. Most players' minutes were muted during Friday's blowout loss to the Nuggets -- Jarred Vanderbilt led the team with 28 -- but the absences still mean more time could be in store for Malik Beasley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Ochai Agbaji, Leandro Bolmaro and Udoka Azubuike, among others.
OCTOBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out Friday Kessler (illness) will not play Friday against the Nuggets.
Impact Kessler was questionable coming into the matchup after battling an illness for most of the week. With Simone Fontecchio (COVID-19) and Rudy Gay (COVID-19) already ruled out, Udoka Azubuike will likely step into some backup center minutes.
OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Questionable at Denver Kessler (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.
Impact Kessler played 11 minutes during Wednesday's win over Houston but now feels under the weather. If he's unavailable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Jarred Vanderbilt will likely see increased playing time. Talen Horton-Tucker could see more action as well with Rudy Gay (COVID-19 protocols) sidelined.
OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Doesn't practice Thursday Kessler didn't participate in Thursday's practice session due to an illness, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.
Impact Kessler played 11 minutes during Wednesday's win over Houston but is feeling under the weather a day later. If he's unavailable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Jarred Vanderbilt will likely see increased playing time.
OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
