It's already bad enough that the Utah Jazz lost Walker Kessler for the year when he started the season off so well. Losing a center that looked like he was continuing to blossom stands out when it was during a contract year. Even worse though is that Kessler will not get the opportunity to showcase himself, unlike some of the other players of his position who are currently thriving.
Kessler will not be the only center who will hit restricted free agency this summer. Other centers like Jalen Duren and Mark Williams will also be on the market this summer, and both have made it clear that they are in line for some major paydays, regardless of whether it's with their current team or not.
Besides making it clear how much the Jazz would miss Kessler immediately, Duren looks like he has taken another step this season. Averaging a near 20-10 and playing a crucial role in why the Pistons have been as good as advertised, there's no doubt that Duren will make Detroit rue the day they dare play games with him this offseason.
While Duren has lit up the box score, Williams hasn't been nearly as dominant, but has proven himself to be just as crucial to the Suns starting out surprisingly okay this season - and making a certain someone look pretty dumb in the process.
Even if their numbers are different, both have proven to their respective teams that its in said teams' best interest to keep them on the roster for the long haul. Kessler already proved that before this season started, but it's a shame that because he won't get the same opportunity these two are, that could impact the money he sees this summer.
On the flip side, what they get might set Kessler's price
If Duren and Williams keep this up (or potentially get even better), Kessler could use what they get to set his price tag this offseason. If they get paid over $100 million, Kessler could use that to his advantage. He could argue that he is also the better player of the three, which it would be hard for Utah to disagree with.
Even with Kessler dealing with one of the worst-timed injuries in recent memory, he's proven enough to leave no doubt that the Jazz are better off keeping him on the team. The injury sadly makes it foggier for both sides to determine what the right price will be.
Duren and Williams may very well have more competitive markets than Kessler this summer, but he should get paid what he's owed. Duren and Williams could very well determine just how much.