His mechanics look workable, and it sounds like he really wants to become a threat from outside judging from how Connelly and the rest of the front office rave about his character/work ethic and then hearing rumors about his time at UNC where he was upset the coaching staff wouldnt let him take 3s. Player: Walker Kessler. The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their interior defense by selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler with the No. Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year), Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option). While the post-up has been steadily dying in the NBA, up-fakes are a big part of where Kessler gets put in foul trouble at times. The oddsmakers there have his line at 24.5, with even -110 odds of him either being picked before or after No. Office: The market did not record new supply in Q3 2022, the total cumulative supply of Grade A and B is still 1.43 million sqm of office space. Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report. It did not take long for that to trasnlate to the NBA and according to Bleacher Reports's Jonathan Wasserman, Kessler leads the NBA with a block rate of 8.4%, counting players who have played at latest 500 minutes. Both Miami and Jacksonville State targeted him on the perimeter (and head coach Bruce Pearl wasnt smart enough to expose him less to those situations, continuing to hard hedge or let teams force switches onto guards). 24. Beyond that, Kessler is limited: he doesnt pass or see the floor well, and he struggles to score out of the post in a translatable way (punishing mismatches, quick hooks, etc). With the Milwaukee Bucks holding the 24th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, one thing they might be looking to do is add another big man. He converted 73 percent of his shots at the rim this past season, which ranked in the 97th percentile, per Synergy. and our https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/leaders/blk-pct-player-season.html, https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/2022-leaders.html. Kessler scores a majority of his points in the paint off of dunks and alley-oops. Pictures & Videos. Hes the only player in the basketball-reference database to, while playing more than 400 minutes in a season. Walker Kessler is a lock top 60 guy and I think has to be considered a fringe 1st rounder at this point. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Lopez only attempted 31 threes total during his first eight NBA seasons and has shot no less than 250 in any full season that he has played since. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. On our 17th installment of #ScoutingSundays for the 2022 NBA Draft, we break down potential lottery pick Walker Kessler's season with Auburn as well as his N. H.S. The Grizzlies and their fans, and team management, have adopted "Whoop that trick" as their rally cry. If you like my channel please subscribe if you haven't . Unplayable if: Lack of mobility gets exposed on defense, and shooting never develops. Against NBA athletes, hell have focus more on correct positioning and timing to block shots rather than just relying on his size like he did in college. 22 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft. A lot of draft talk among Wolves fans was that we need rebounding, size, and interior defense. Menu. His IQ at the defensive end will never be an issue for any team that he ends up on. Walker's brother, Houston, also played for Georgia from 2013-17. Hometown Fairburn, Ga. . 4.6 blocks per game and 10 blocks per 100 possessions, Stats: 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 blocks, 61 percent from the field, 20 percent from three, 60 percent from the line. The Ringers Kevin OConnor projects Kessler to the Bucks in his latest mock draft and had this to say: Massive interior force with elite shot-blocking and finishing skills. On the offensive end he plays like a combo forward trapped in a centers body. Ideally, a defender should stunt at the popping big and recover to their own man to buy Kessler time to recover back, but teams that ran flat middle ball screens were getting open looks against Auburns ice coverage. Shot-blocking specimen with great instincts as a rim-protector Fantastic size and length help him make his huge defensive impact Wiry, so he might need to get stronger so he doesnt get pushed around on the glass Solid shooting stroke, but the numbers dont reflect that yet Drop defender against pick-and-roll Has trouble when asked to switch Good finisher down low, though not a great one due to just-decent athleticism. Orlando Magic win draft lottery, get No. Walker Ross Kessler (born July 26, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Strengths: Has excellent size for the position at 7'1", 245 pounds. Alabama. 1 hour ago. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Another recruiting class, another elite big man for North Carolina, as 2020 center Walker Kessler committed to the Tar Heels on Sunday, telling Evan Daniels of Scan this QR code to download the app now. Best Case Scenario: Works his way into a starting role anchoring a great playoff-team defense. Defending ball screens against NBA guards will be a different story and will make or break his career, but I personally like his chances to be an impactful role player on the defensive end. February 25, 2023, 10:43 a.m. Fearless Forecast vs San Antonio Spurs: . Big (literally) threat as a roll man in the P&R. Worst Case Scenario**:** G League/3rd string big man that isnt impactful enough defensively to get minutes in the NBA. He averages an incredible 4.6 blocks per game and 10 blocks per 100 possessions, and his block ratethis past season was the highest for any college basketball player in the past 14 seasons. Field Goals. Excellent positional size at 7'1". Kessler can handle in the open court and break the defender down off the . In my opinion, this is the most frustrating weakness. For an example of what subscribers get, check out the sample subscriber team page. Theres better, more realistic, upside plays for big man in the draft. He boxes out well, competes hard on the glass, and uses his length to grab a ton of boards. Walker Kessler had several clutch plays late and stuffed the stat sheet on Thursday to help lead the Utah Jazz to an overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.. Kessler produced seven points, 18 rebounds, seven blocked shots and two assists in 37 minutes of work in the 120-119 victory. Tim Finnegan breaks down the UFC 285 main event on DraftKings Sportsbook. Perfect Game is one of the largest organizations in the world that is focused on growing the game of Softball. Walker Kessler. Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the 2022 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kessler is a power finisher who converts down low with a lot of dunks or lobs, and he should be very good as a roller in the NBA. Walker Kessler NBA Draft news, analysis, videos, stats and team projection from BasketballNews.com . Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report. Kesslers defensive upside begins with his shot-blocking ability, which extends to some jump shots. Milwaukee Bucks 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion. 17 Tennessee As the season has progressed, so too has Auburn's Walker Kessler. With his leaping ability and size, Kessler is able to clean up around the rim nicely on offense. Fantastic size and length help him make his huge defensive impact . Walker Kessler was a top 25 recruit out of high school. He does foul a lot, registering 6.1 fouls per 100 possessions over the course of his college career. He barely registered at North Carolina his freshman season but broke out last year at Auburn, averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game during the regular season. BY Brian Fritz. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and one of college basketball's most prolific shot blockers in its history, Walker Kessler had a dynamic breakout year following his transfer from North Carolina to Auburn. His lack of strength hinders his ability to score and guard in the post as well. Free Throws. Moreover, the NCAA Tournament exposed some issues with projecting his movement in space at the next level. 15 Greatest Draft Picks in Franchise History. Walker Kessler DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. Scouting Report Evaluated 06/29/2018. Spin . He was a consensus 5-star prospect coming out of high school . Yet when I hear most other fans speak of Kessler, most would prefer the team to stay away from him. Unlike Anthony Davis, Kessler struggles as an explosive athlete. He's a limited athlete and scorer, but signs of shooting confidence suggest he's capable of eventually adding a three-ball to complement his rim protection. He led the country in DBPM (8.0), was 3rd in DRTG (83.0), 4th in BPM (14.1), 8th in Defensive WS (2.7), 10th in PER (31.4). For any kind of hedging, switches, etc. Homepage Mock Drafts. He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Walker Kessler: 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report. Walker Kessler. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. The 20-year-old might have a long career ahead. Welcome to Hoop-Math. But let's try to bounc Contact us here: hoopshype@hoopshype.com, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The 2022 NBA Draft order has been set and the list of eligible players is officially locked in. Read full article. Kessler can handle in the open court and break the defender down off the dribble. He is now a member of the 2022 NBA Draft class. Auburn lands a big time center prospect who left UNC after his freshman season. mid first to mid second round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft or 2023 NBA Draft, 5-Star Corner: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Interview, A Closer Look At Bronny James as a NBA Draft Prospect, Talented Sons of Famous NBA Fathers Part 2, The 10 Top Freshmen In High School Basketball Class of 2026 Recruits, Re-Draft of the 2022 NBA Draft, Top 20 2 Months Into The Season, My Guys Prospects Im Irrationally High On In The 2023 Draft, 2023 NBA Draft Big Board Early Season Edition, Upperclassmen Moving Up The Draft Board The Desmond Bane Effect, The Elite 25 The Top NBA Prospects In High School Basketball Fall 2022, 2026 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings (2025 recruiting class), Victor Wembanyamas Physical Profile and NBA Comparisons. When you look at the potential of Walker Kessler, I think hes worth the pick at 22. His ORB%, DRB%, and TRB% were 15.3%, 21%, and 18%. Hes fairly nimble for his size and will be a good screener once he puts on strength. But he doesnt stay disciplined. Walker Kessler is the best rim protector in the entire draft, and one of the best prospects as a shot-blocker the league has seen in recent memory. Walker Kessler out of Auburn is someone who they might be interested in turning into the next Brook Lopez. Here is an analysis of his strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I believe he can fill that role. //Www.Sports-Reference.Com/Cbb/Leaders/Blk-Pct-Player-Season.Html, https: //www.sports-reference.com/cbb/leaders/blk-pct-player-season.html, https: //www.sports-reference.com/cbb/leaders/blk-pct-player-season.html, https: //www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/2022-leaders.html played. 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