The J-Notes
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3 starting center options for the Utah Jazz in 2022

By Nathan Smith

Feb 7, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale (23) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Utah Jazz forward Royce O'Neale (23) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vanderbilt Commodores guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (2) is blocked by Auburn Tigers player Walker Kessler (13) at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 94-80.
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (2) is blocked by Auburn Tigers player Walker Kessler (13) at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Vanderbilt Commodores 94-80. /

2. The Utah Jazz could look to Walker Kessler to fill a starting role

While the Jazz haven’t officially gone into a rebuild by trading Donovan Mitchell, they may need to look to some younger players to fill roles, and while it’s not the ideal move, they could ask Walker Kessler, an Auburn rookie they received in the Gobert trade to fill the Frenchman’s shoes. We haven’t yet seen him don the Jazz Notes jersey, as he was left off the Summer League roster (presumably due to the fact that the trade didn’t become official until Summer League had commenced), so it may be a little premature to dub him as the next starter, but he has all the tools to make it happen.

https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1540156363585748997

The Jazz would most likely prefer Kessler to be a key cog off the bench, with a veteran to fill the starting role, but if they can’t move for a trade with either of the other two names on this list, there’s a chance they take a flier on the former Auburn standout. Kessler fits a similar mold to Gobert, and if the Jazz want to upgrade the roster in different positions, than he is definitely a contender to take the starting spot going forward, but either way, expect to see him making a big impact in 2022/23, whether it be starting or anchoring the second team for the Utah Jazz.

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