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Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has committed to playing for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Kessler is one of the best young defensive big men in the NBA, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported Kessler's intent to play for Team USA in the tournament to be held in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. The Americans will be playing in Manila and are grouped with Jordan, Greece and New Zealand.
"Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has committed to play for Team USA's FIBA World Cup team this summer in the Philippines, sources tell ESPN," Wojnarowski wrote. "Kessler had an All-Rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks."
Walker Kessler was drafted 22nd overall last year by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was traded on the same day to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with TyTy Washington for Jake LaRavia. He was then included in the Rudy Gobert trade two weeks later.
In his rookie season, Kessler averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 72.0% from the field. He was much after the All-Star break, averaging 12.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.3 blocks.
Kessler was also the finalist in the Rookie of the Year voting. He came in third to Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic and Jaylen Williams of the OKC Thunder. He received two first-place votes, which prevented Banchero from becoming the unanimous Rookie of the Year.
NBA players who committed to play for Team USA in 2023 FIBA World Cup
Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz was not the first NBA player to commit to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported earlier this month that at least eight players have initially decided to play for Team USA this August.
Here's the list of players and their respective teams:
- Mikal Bridges - Brooklyn Nets
- Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
- Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
- Tyrese Haliburton - Indiana Pacers
- Brandon Ingram - New Orleans Pelicans
- Jaren Jackson Jr. - Memphis Grizzlies
- Bobby Portis - Milwaukee Bucks
- Austin Reaves - Los Angeles Lakers
Kessler is also not the only Jazz player who will be busy this summer. Jordan Clarkson will be playing for the Philippines, while Simone Fontecchio has committed to Italy. Lauri Marrkanen will represent Finland while being on military service for Finland, and Kelly Olynky remains a staple for Team Canada.
Guess the Lakers players!
