Walker Kessler is a professional basketball player who plays the position 5 for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. In high school at Woodward Academy in Georgia, the 7-footer was initially viewed as a role player off the bench. However, by his senior season, Kessler had transformed into a dominant force, averaging 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game. His dramatic improvement and skill earned him a high 5-star ranking going into his college selections.
Kessler went to the University of North Carolina, where as a freshman reserve, he provided stellar defence and rebounding. In just 16 minutes on average, he swatted 2.8 shots while grabbing 4.4 boards per game.
The move to Auburn allowed Kessler to enhance his abilities and skills on the court. Starting as the starting center, Kessler erupted over the season. His defensive impact was game-changing, with the highlight coming when he set the NCAA single-season record with 155 blocked shots. For his dominant effort, Kessler swept SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive All-American and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honours.
The first-round draft stock Kessler built at Auburn became reality when Memphis selected him 22nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. On draft night however, he was traded to Minnesota before landing with Utah. The whirlwind of transactions placed him in an ideal situation with the Jazz.
Thrusted into a starting role in Utah, Kessler excelled throughout his rookie campaign. He led all first-year players in blocks and established himself as one of the NBA's premier interior defenders and rim protectors. Additionally, he led the league in field goal percentage as a dominant force around the rim offensively. Kessler was named to the NBA First Team All-Rookie for his breakout performance in his rookie season.
Now, in his second NBA season at just 21 years old, Kessler appears poised to take another leap for the upstart Jazz. With his stature, instincts and work ethic, the ceiling remains sky-high. In the 2023-24 season for the Utah Jazz, Kessler has already played in 8 games and he is averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
Walker Kessler's Wingspan
Walker Kessler's incredible 7-foot-4-inch wingspan is a major asset that allows him to excel on both ends of the court. With his long arms, Kessler can reach well above the rim to snatch rebounds out of the air. Over his career, he has already grabbed 683 total rebounds and accumulated over 180 blocks, using his length to clean the glass. His wingspan also makes him an intimidating defensive presence, allowing him to block and alter shots with ease. Kessler averaged 2.3 blocks per game his rookie season, using his condor-like reach to deny opponents at the rim. Overall, Kessler’s mammoth wingspan enhances his play tremendously.
FAQs
A. Walker Kessler is 22 years old as of November 2023.
A. The net worth of Walker Kessler is around $2.6 million as of 2023.
A. Walker Kessler is 7 feet tall.
A. According to his 4 year contract with the Utah Jazz, Kessler is guaranteed an average annual salary of $3,343,105.
