Walker Kessler comes from an athletic family as his dad and uncle both played in the NBA. He has had a supportive family to guide him and teach him the work needed to make it to the next level. He plays centre for the Utah Jazz in the 2022-23 season.
He joined North Carolina for his high school where he didn't quite get the opportunity he was hoping for. Kessler made the most of his limited minutes, before transferring to Auburn for the next season.
After joining the Auburn Tigers, Kessler set the Tigers' single-season block record and finally registered his first ever triple-double with blocks. He also led the entire nation in blocked shots.
Kessler was traded twice in his first NBA season as he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to the Minnesota Timber Wolves. After a few weeks of being drafted, he was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gobert.
The Wolves are possibly regretting their decision as Kessler has shown how useful he can be in just his first year playing in the NBA. He was named Rookie of the Month this season and came third for the Rookie of the Year Award. No one knew that Kessler would be this good so early in his rookie season showing his defensive as well as offensive talents that everyone was so doubtful about. He has good shooting mechanics, is a constant lob threat and has a nice touch around the rim.
Walker Kessler’s Age
Walker Kessler is 22 years old and is quickly becoming one of the league's best rim protectors.
Kessler’s father Chad Kessler was a 6 ft 8 forward for the Clippers, he was the 93rd overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. Alec Christopher Kessler was his uncle who was also part of the NBA. His height was 6 ft 11 inches and was also a power forward and centre drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 1990 NBA draft. The height and the capability and hard work to make it to the world's greatest leagues run in the family with Walker Kessler following in his father's footsteps and making a name for himself in the first year of his NBA season.
Despite the NBA being a league that heavily values rim protection, Kessler was selected 22nd overall by the Timber Wolves after trading with the Grizzlies. His drawback despite his height standing at 7 ft and his defensive accolades was his offensive game that put interest from prospective scouts at bay.
He is just barely scratching the surface of his potential and is already being considered as Utah’s foundational piece moving forward. Kessler may have been overlooked in college, the NBA draft and even by the team who drafted him but no one is sleeping on him now.
FAQs
A. Kessler has a measured wingspan of 7 ft 6 inches.
A. Walker Kessler was born in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently residing in Georgia.
A. Chad Kessler is Walker Kessler’s father. Walker’s father and uncle were both drafted in the NBA.
A. Walker Kessler got offers from Duke, Virginia, Michigan and Vanderbilt before choosing to play for North Carolina.
A. His full name is Walker Ross Kessler.
