The Utah Jazz are off to a better start than most expected at 3-4 and are coming off an impressive victory over the Boston Celtics, considering Walker Kessler didn't play. However, Kessler's most recent injury might be more serious than we thought.
The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen revealed that Kessler is getting multiple opinions on his recent shoulder injury, including that he could be out for longer than many thought.
Soon, I hope. He’s getting a couple of different opinions but it’s possible this is a longer term injury. We’ll see what the doctors say. https://t.co/ioJ3dcB0hN
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 4, 2025
This is bad news for both the Jazz and Kessler, as this season was about seeing how much further Kessler could ascend. He started out the season fantastically, showing there was more to his game than protecting the rim and rebounding.
Adding three-point shooting and passing could add another zero to his extension, but if he's out for a while, that could pose a problem in extension talks. This is a do-or-die situation for Kessler's long-term place with the Jazz. A long-term injury can ruin everything, as the Jazz may lowball him, which could lead to some uncertainty between the two sides.
Kessler already said he was frustrated with not getting an extension this summer. Utah better be prepared for what may come if he comes off an injury-plagued season and yet doesn't budge off his price in the slightest.
The general consensus is that the Jazz want to keep Kessler, but if he's out for some time, that could be a problem for both his next deal and how things go this season.
It's a bad twist of fate, but not the worst
The Jazz would prefer Kessler play, of course, but him being out helps their chances of securing a better pick. That's good and not just because this class is loaded with talent, but also because the Jazz owe the Thunder a top-eight protected pick this year.
The Jazz have not necessarily been good, but rather mediocre to start this season. Kessler's absence could open the door to more losing because his skillset contributes to winning basketball. Utah assured the fans that what happened last season would not happen again, so this would be the team's chance to have its cake and eat it.
Utah is better with Kessler around, so it is a shame that this had to happen just as he's in a contract year, but the team knows by now that he is a keeper, and he hasn't shown himself to be injury-prone. His absence could be what helps keep them around the bottom of the league, and he could still get the money he wants. That is, as long as he and the Jazz's front office can meet in the middle.