“I’m Taking it Day by Day” | Inside Walker Kessler’s Road to Recovery 

Walker Kessler is ready to make a full recovery.

Following surgery to repair a torn labrum on Nov. 6, Kessler has begun to attack the rehab process, all with the goal of being 100 percent heading into the 2026 offseason.

Once he fully recovers, it will be a relatively new feeling for the 24-year-old big man. Kessler revealed Sunday in his first media availability following the surgery that he’s had a labrum tear in his left shoulder since his days at Auburn University. 

After playing through it for several years and attempting to strengthen it, additional wear and tear this season left Kessler with no other choice but to address the issue head on. 

“To have it be fully healthy, and not only that, but also to be fully confident in it… I’m going to be ready next year,” Kessler said Sunday. “I’m really looking forward to it.” 

On the day of his surgery, Kessler said that all of his Utah Jazz teammates texted him, as did many members of the coaching staff and front office. By doing his rehab in Utah’s practice facility, Kessler is able to still be around the team and feel included as he watches those around him take the floor.

“I miss being out there,” Kessler said. “Watching those guys play, it makes you realize how much you love the game of basketball. But taking a backseat allows you to see things more from a bird’s-eye view and can help seeing things from a coaching perspective.”

Although he won’t be joining his teammates on the court for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, Kessler has continued to have an active presence in Utah’s organization.

“He has been very engaged and at all team events,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. “He’s hearing the messaging to the team and he’s obviously watching film on our games. Rehab can be isolating and we don’t want that for Walker.”

Kessler revealed Sunday that he has entered phase two of his recovery process, with the Atlanta, GA native currently having a good range of motion with his left arm. Over the ensuing eight to 12 weeks, Kessler has to reach certain parameters before moving on to the next phases, all with the goal of incorporating more movements. 

“It was frustrating at first, but I’ve had time to lean on my family and friends and kind of reflect and understand that everything happens for a reason,” Kessler told Holly Rowe on the Front Rowe Podcast. “I’m trying to stay positive, rehab is going great, so I’m taking it day by day.”

Positivity has been a key trait throughout Kessler’s first three-plus years in the NBA. The big man is often cracking jokes or showing a smile, especially off the floor. Despite this injury setback, the former first-round pick continues to maintain that side of him.

“I have a lot to be thankful for,” Kessler said. “I have an unbelievable circle around me. I’ve got great family, friends, teammates, and a great city (around me). To have this fixed now, and to know that it’ll be 100 percent, it gives me a lot of confidence.” 

Hardy echoed that sentiment while sharing his observations of Kessler’s presence in the team’s facility. 

“He seems like the same special Walker that he always is,” Utah’s head coach said. “I haven’t noticed any downturn in his emotions.” 

Although Kessler has been ruled out for the season, that doesn’t prevent the young big man from continuing to grow. After all, a major focus for the Jazz throughout the 2025-26 campaign is player development. With his playing time on the floor cut short after just five games (Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, and 1.8 blocks per game in those contests), the focus of that development shifts.

“It’s changing the goals,” Kessler told Rowe. “Whether that’s trying to be better as a vocal leader, or just not taking any day for granted.” 

Regardless of how he’s able to impact the game and the teammates around him, Kessler is up to the task as he works on his individual rehab. There are always silver linings to take away from difficult situations, and it’s no surprise to see the 24-year-old grasp the value in the unique opportunities that have been presented to him as a result of the injury. 

“(Learning) from a different viewpoint will be huge,” Kessler said, “Understanding what I can learn and take away from (the game) when I’m not gassed or focused on my own performance… and trying to lift the other guys up while trying to learn myself.” 

It’ll be a long road ahead for Kessler as he works his way back to 100 percent heading into next summer, but the Jazz will benefit from his presence every step of the way.