Walker Kessler developing a 3-point shot would make him a real threat for the Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz could have a stud offensively if Walker Kessler can make three-point shots regularly.

The Utah Jazz’s best young player is arguably Walker Kessler. He was a near-elite defender last season as a rookie and was one of the top 10 best interior big-men in the league. He’s coming into this season, seen by many, as a Top 15 or even Top 10 name when Defensive Players of the Year are discussed.

Many think he’ll be a 2nd Team All-Defensive player at the very least. So it’s fair to say that as a defender, he’s held in high regard. But, what about offensively? Well, his offensive game isn’t dynamic but it’s reliable. He’s a good rim-runner; someone who can be a lop-threat while on the run, or score off of a missed shot from a teammate, and he’s got a decent game in the paint. He’s not Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic, but he hit a shot or two that way as well.

But it’s fair to say he’s not some major offensive powerhouse. He’s not a great passer right now, and he’s shown little efficiency from any shot out of the paint. But that may be coming to an end. Kessler may in fact be working on a reliable shot that will stretch the court.

Throughout the preseason game, Kessler has been working on shooting three-point shots, a skill that’s rare among NBA centers even in 2023.

He went 1-4 form the three-point line in the preseason this year, and the fact he did was impressive, as his predecessor – Rudy Gobert – didn’t hit a three-point shot in an actual game until the summer of 2023.

So Kessler is on track to be a better offensive presence for the Jazz. And even if that three-point shot doesn’t fall, which if it does will make him a true force for the team, he’s not a bad scorer with his current skillset. He shot 55% from the floor during the preseason, so clearly, he has the ability to get points.

He’s not going to be as dominant as a prime Shaquille O’Neal, nor is he going to be as skilled as a Jokic, but Kessler can surpass the level that Gobert was at with the Jazz. And if he can play like Gobert and fellow Jazz defensive icon Mark Eaton, while scoring from inside and outside of the three-point line, he may in fact find himself as a franchise great sooner, rather than later.