3 reasons why the Jazz needed that Walker Kessler breakout game
By Matt John
The Utah Jazz won their third consecutive preseason game against the Mavericks. Their entire rotation put in impressive performances, from Isaiah Collier's playmaking to Jordan Clarkson's scoring. It was all fun to watch. One player in particular who stood out was Walker Kessler.
Kessler dominated the boards, snaring 15 rebounds (five offensive) while blocking two shots in the process. All in all, he looked like Walker Kessler again.
Kessler hasn't dominated the preseason as a whole, and that's perfectly fine, but watching him look like his old self again against the reigning Western Conference Champions should make the Jazz catuously optimistic when the real show begins.
1. If Kessler returns to form, he's another piece of the puzzle
Kessler showed that he can still be the dominant rim protector he was as a rookie. Getting back to that level potentially shows precisely why the Jazz were asking for a lot for him from the Knicks. Better yet, it'll show the Jazz truly have another piece of their next playoff contender.
The Jazz are all too familiar with having an elite rim protector on a perennial playoff team. What's better is that Kessler is aware of the shoes he has to fill. If he could fill the many holes his predecessor left, the Jazz will sleep well at night knowing they have another young stud on the rise.
2. It will also settle any big man controversy in Utah
Not that there really was a big man controversy to begin with, but if Kessler had proven that he's still around the same level he was last year, it could have led to fans clamoring for John Collins to get the starting nod over him. While Collins may be overpaid, he still has plenty of experience as a starting center. Even if it's not a high bar, it's a bar.
And if not Collins, there may have been an outcry that they should be playing some of their other young bigs like Kyle Filipowski. With Kessler playing more like his old self, there won't be any debate over who should be in Utah's starting frontcourt. It's also a relief for Utah because Kessler provides something their other big men do not.
3. Even if the Jazz plan to trade him, he's raising his value
The Jazz clearly tested the market for Kessler. Whether they see him as part of their future or not, Kessler is either their starting center or he gets them more assets. The Jazz were stingy in trade discussions, and him getting back to who he is will only increase that value.
They can get more picks and/or young players, and most optimistically, they could potentially use him to shed Collins' contract. However, the Jazz have gone on public record saying they see him as the future. That could change, as no one thought he would ever be put in trade rumors to begin with, but it looks like no matter how things shake out, Kessler should prove beneficial for Utah.