Following all the rumors that happened during the offseason, one can't help but wonder if Walker Kessler will be put on the trade market again anytime soon. If the Utah Jazz's season opener is indicative of what's to come, no one should mention it ever again. Not even jokingly.
Many have hoped for Kessler to look like his old self. Not only did he look like that, but Kessler looked like he took another step forward from his impressive rookie campaign.
In nearly 30 minutes of action, Kessler dominated against a good team, putting up 16 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks. Despite coming off an off-year, the Jazz showed their faith in Kessler, and he rewarded them.
Even more than that, Kessler made some major contributions late in the game. Besides playing the majority of the fourth quarter, Kessler scored eight points, with most of those coming in crunchtime. He made two putback shots in game's closing minutes, showing how much of a presence he is on the boards.
The Grizzlies may have been undermanned in the frontcourt, as Jaren Jackson Jr. didn't play, but it's opportunities like those where Kessler should rightfully dominate, and he did. Lauri Markkanen may have outshined him, but his efforts did not go unnoticed, knowing what Kessler had to prove coming into the season.
As far as first impressions for the season go, Kessler's season debut went as perfectly as the Jazz could have pictured.
If Kessler's back with the vengeance, it's good for the Jazz
Kessler looked like the surefire cornerstone he appeared to be during his rookie season with the Jazz. If the Jazz's first game is a sign of things to come, that further ensures that the Jazz's future is among the most promising in the league.
There is no right or wrong archetype when it comes to a franchise's big man of the future. As long as they are a plus on both offense and defense, that's all a team needs. Kessler is not nor should he be the floor spacer that Markkanen is, but he doesn't have to be.
Besides the putbacks he scored against the Grizzlies, he just has to play within the flow of the offense. Defensively, everyone knows what he can do, and if he gets even better on that front, he's one of the best rim protectors in the league, which is a rare commodity in the NBA.
Now, Kessler at full throttle is a piece of the puzzle, but he is a piece that can't be replaced. If the Jazz get a consistent version of what they saw from Kessler on opening night, not only will he re-earn the level of "cornerstone," but he will also be one less thing for the Jazz to worry about long-term.