Walker Kessler made his long-awaited preseason debut for the Utah Jazz last night, and he did not disappoint. Not only did he put up a double-double, but Kessler flashed a new skill that should make the rest of the NBA take notice: his passing abilities.
The Jazz center finished with eight assists against the Portland Trail Blazers, which, had it been in the regular season, would have been a career-high. Adding that to his other contributions, and Kessler really made his impact felt against Portland.
Walker Kessler protecting the rim and spraying the ball around this season? pic.twitter.com/PY3CE5o0DS
— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 17, 2025
The passing is new, though, because until last night, he hadn't really shown it before. The most he's ever had in a game is six assists, and he's only eclipsed five assists five times in his three-year NBA career. If Kessler is tapping into an entirely new facet of his game through his playmaking, it makes both him and the Jazz even scarier.
Kessler will likely never be a go-to scorer, but last year, he proved he was one of the NBA's absolute best offensive rebounders. If he proves that he can also be one of the best playmaking big men in the league, that may empower Will Hardy and co. to trust him in closing lineups.
This could also add some extra money to his price tag
As everyone and their mother knows by now, the Jazz decided not to extend Kessler this offseason, which is economically beneficial for them but has clearly frustrated Kessler. If he takes it one step further by showing he can pass the rock, that might up his price tag next summer.
Utah decided not to extend Kessler only because waiting until next offseason gives them the opportunity to re-sign him while also being a cap space team. However, if Kessler proves his playmaking is a positive for the team, that strategy may backfire on them as it could lead to him wanting more money.
At the same time, is that the worst fate in the world for Utah? Kessler has a chip on his shoulder again this season, so if he proves that he has another gear in his game, that is good news for the Jazz even if it adds an extra zero to his next contract. Utah has the cap flexibility to give him the deal he wants, so even if he may demand even more this summer, there's no need for the Jazz to play hardball.
If Kessler goes the Ivica Zubac route, but even faster, the Jazz should feel fantastic about their long-term prospects. Let's just hope that when they approach his contract situation next summer, there won't be any hangups.