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The J-Notes
Fansided

Ranking the Utah Jazz rookies before the 2022-23 season

By Jonah Kubicek

Jacksonville State Gamecocks center Brandon Huffman (50) goes up for a layup over Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Friday, March 18, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Jacksonville State Gamecocks 80-61.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks center Brandon Huffman (50) goes up for a layup over Auburn Tigers forward Walker Kessler (13) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., on Friday, March 18, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Jacksonville State Gamecocks 80-61. /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz poses during the 2022 NBA Rookie Portraits at UNLV on July 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz poses during the 2022 NBA Rookie Portraits at UNLV on July 14, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

#2: Walker Kessler

At worst, Kessler will have a similar career to Jahlil Okafor, the highly drafted center who played like he had lead in his shoes and refused to step outside the paint. At best, he will be a solid starting center and a lesser version of Rudy Gobert, much like Jakob Poeltl.

In his sophomore season at Auburn, he was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and named to the All-Conference team. That’s even more impressive when you factor in that he was sharing the frontcourt with Jabari Smith, the third overall pick in the most recent draft.

In his most recent college season, he averaged 4.6 blocks. That’s good enough o put him second in the country. He also put up 11.4 points, and much like the departed Stifle Tower, none of those came from behind the arc.

Kessler did not play in the Summer League, so we don’t have that insight, although it’s safe to say he will succeed if he can play to his strengths. He will never become an elite scorer like Embiid or Jokic, and he is not the best rebounder considering he stands at 7’1”, but he is a fantastic rim protector who could get some rebounding skills and work in the pick and roll with Collin Sexton. We think he might crack the starting five, but expect him to be raw and error-prone, with the occasional flash of potential in season one.