All-Rookie

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Ryan Kostecka

It took Keyonte George precisely one game — the first game of the 2023-24 season — to believe he deserved to be in the league. His first NBA bucket came on an and-one, quickly followed by a deep three-pointer, showcasing his tantalizing offensive skillset. Altogether, George concluded his NBA debut with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes.

"To be completely honest, I feel like I belong," he said that night. "For me, I think that confidence comes from the preparation. … I'm just super confident in my game. I just had a lot of fun out there. … It was a big-time blessing for me to appear in my first NBA game."

The confidence never wavered throughout George's rookie season, and for good reason. Announced on Monday afternoon, George was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team — becoming the second consecutive Jazzmen to be honored following Walker Kessler's first-team selection last year. 

"Phenomenal," was George's response when asked how his rookie season went. "Just taking it day by day. … The season didn't go too fast for me because I was just living in the moment. I feel like I took advantage of every day, whether it was a game day or off day. … It was a pretty long season. I like the baseline that I have for myself, I like the way that I competed day in and day out. … Now it's just about sharpening things up that I already know I'm good at."

Making the NBA All-Rookie First Team are Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), Jamie Jaquez Jr. (Miami), Brandon Miller (Charlotte), Brandin Podziemski (Golden State), and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio). Joining George on the second team are GG Jackson II (Memphis), Dereck Lively II (Dallas), Amen Thompson (Houston), and Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City).

After being selected with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, it was widely hypothesized that Keyonte George — the second of Utah's three first-round picks — was the most likely to contribute immediately. Armed with a versatile skillset on offense, George's ability to put the ball in the hoop was considered the most pro-ready trait of the trio of picks.&nbsp;

"Keyonte has probably the most diversified offensive skillset, maybe in the draft," Jazz GM Justin Zanik said back in June. "Keyonte's been doing it for a long time at a very, very high level. … He has all the shots, shots that some people can't ever learn. He's worked on his body, he has confidence as a scorer. … We've got to work on where he fits into the team, but right now, he's already an offensive weapon."

Simply put, George lived up to the hype. He averaged 13.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on a 40/33/85 shooting split in 27.0 minutes per game. He played in 75 games, making 44 starts. His 75 games played ranked third among all rookies, while his 44 games started ranked fifth.

He finished second among rookies in total assists (336) and assists per game (4.4 apg). He finished fourth in total points among rookies (974), sixth in points per game (13.0 ppg), and fifth in total minutes played (2,023). He also became the fourth rookie in Jazz history to total at least 825 points and 280 assists in a season. (Donovan Mitchell, Deron Williams, and Trey Burke).

George scored 30+ three times this season, the third-most among rookies — but what set him apart was his performance against Steph Curry and the Warriors on Feb. 15. In 41 minutes, George dropped a career-high 33 points, while adding six assists, three steals, and two rebounds. He also shot 9-of-16 from three, tying the NBA rookie record for most threes in a game.&nbsp;

"He has a really unique brain for a young player," head coach Will Hardy said of George. "I think that's where he's got a big advantage on everyone else because it's gonna, hopefully, accelerate his learning curve. Basketball is pattern recognition when it comes down to it on the offensive end, and the best players are the ones that know all the patterns and can recognize them quickly. … Keyonte has shown the ability to do some of that."

Heading into his first offseason, George knows plenty of work needs to be done. Rather than taking a broad approach to his game and working to be good at everything, he's showing maturity beyond his years by focusing on a few skills to become elite at them — a trait that Hardy believes will best serve his growth moving forward.&nbsp;

"Since day one, everybody wanted me to be in the best shape possible, so that's the main thing," he said. "As far as my skillset, you can always add moves and make your handles shaper. … I just want to get an elite-level handle and be consistent throughout the whole season. I want to be that guy where if you leave me open, you know it's good. The main thing for me this summer is just being in shape and getting stronger, and everything else will follow."

George hopes his offseason growth is just a part of something great the Jazz are building. When asked what sort of players he would like to play next to — or what type of player he hopes the Jazz draft — he remained steadfast in his belief in the players on the current roster.&nbsp;

"I feel like what we have right now is phenomenal pieces," he said. "The young core, the older guys that we have, we all got something we can bring to the table. … It's just about team camaraderie and coming together for the same common goal. Sacrificing something for the greater good of the team because when we win, everybody gonna eat. … It's about being able to sacrifice for however long it is to get to the greater goal."

"There's a lot of belief within our organization in Keyonte," Hardy added. "I think all of the guys on the team recognize Keyonte's ability. … I think everybody on the team has been really impressed with his maturity at his age, his understanding at his age. I think the team has received him well. … They've been very supportive of him."

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“Confidence Comes From Preparation” — George Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

"Keyonte has probably the most diversified offensive skillset maybe in the draft," Jazz GM Justin Zanik said back in June. "Keyonte's been doing it for a long time at a very, very high level. … He has all the shots, shots that some people can't ever learn. He's worked on his body, he has confidence as a scorer. … We've got to work on where he fits into the team, but right now, he's already an offensive weapon."

George has lived up to the hype, going from the No. 16 pick in the draft to starting over half of his games this year. He's averaged 12.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on a 40/34/84 shooting split in 26.3 minutes per game. He's played in 64 games, making 33 starts (all stats as of March 24).

He ranks first among rookies in total assists (285) and second among all rookies in assists per contest (4.5 apg). He's fourth in total points among rookies in 2023-24 (825) and third in points per game after the All-Star break (17.3 ppg). He's tied for fourth in the entire NBA in clutch 3-point percentage (.467 — min. 15 attempts). He's also the fourth rookie in Jazz history to total at least 825 points and 280 assists in a season. (Donovan Mitchell, Deron Williams, and Trey Burke).

George has scored 30+ three times this season, the third-most among rookies — but what sets him apart was his performance against Steph Curry and the Warriors on Feb. 15. In 41 minutes, George dropped a career-high 33 points, while adding six assists, three steals, and two rebounds. He also shot 9-of-16 from three, tying the NBA rookie record for most threes in a game.&nbsp;

"He has a really unique brain for a young player," head coach Will Hardy said. "I think that's where he's got a big advantage on everyone else because it's gonna, hopefully, accelerate his learning curve. Basketball is pattern recognition when it comes down to it on the offensive end, and the best players are the ones that know all the patterns and can recognize them quickly. … Keyonte has shown the ability to do some of that."

Despite ending the season starting alongside his fellow rookies, George's career did not start that way following the draft.&nbsp;

With Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh recovering from injuries sustained before the draft, George was the lone rookie to go through Utah's summer league in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He rose to the occasion, averaging 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game through three games in Salt Lake City. He then broke out on the bigger stage, posting a double-double in his first game in Las Vegas en route to averaging 29.5 points and 8.5 assists in two games.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, his time was cut short when he suffered a sprained ankle during the second quarter in a showdown against Denver. Not only did he miss the rest of the contest, but he was also out for Utah's final two games. However, George had done enough before the injury to be named First-Team All-Summer League after his performances.

"I'm trying to shape myself into that true point guard," George said back then. "At the end of the day, I know I can score but getting my teammates involved. … Making it easier for them is making it easier for me. Just getting each other the ball, playing together, and having fun. … The game is slowing down for me, and I'm gaining a lot of confidence in my work."

While George shined throughout summer league, going head-to-head with his teammates during open runs was another beast. How would he perform with Kris Dunn — one of the best defenders in the league — guarding him? How would he finish at the rim with Walker Kessler, one of the league's best shot blockers, waiting for him at the rim? It didn't take long for word to spread that George was more than up to the task, fueling the hype train that had been building.

"There's a lot of belief within our organization in Keyonte," Hardy said. "I think all of the guys on the team recognize Keyonte's ability. … I think everybody on the team has been really impressed with his maturity at his age, his understanding at his age. I think the team has received him well. … They've been very supportive of him."

After starting the season coming off the bench but in the rotation and slowly seeing his minutes and role expanded, George got the first start of his NBA career on Nov. 8 against Indiana. Although the Jazz fell to the Pacers, it was a debut worthy of being proud of. He finished with seven points, nine assists (with just one turnover), and two rebounds in 31 minutes — all coming on his 20th birthday.&nbsp;

"Best birthday present you could ever ask for," George said that night. "I'm truly blessed and thankful that this staff and organization are willing to trust me this early in the season to go out and try to get guys organized and, you know, run a team. When he (Hardy) told me, I kind of had a big smile on my face. … I'm always talking about waiting my time, waiting for the opportunity, and it came."

George remained in the starting lineup for much of the season, only coming off the bench when he returned from injury. Since returning to full health, he's back as the starting point guard and continuing to make the most out of every opportunity on the court.&nbsp;

"To be completely honest, I feel like I belong," George said. "For me, I think that confidence comes from the preparation. … I'm just super confident in my game. I just had a lot of fun out there. It's a long season, and I know what we got. … I'm just going to continue to keep a smile on my face because, at the end of the day, it's just basketball."

"Keyonte is getting better and better," Hardy added. "We are encouraging him to be aggressive when looking for his own shot. He's got a ton of ability, he can shoot off the dribble, he can get into the paint, he's a good passer, he's got good feel. … I think he's trying to figure out that balance every single night."

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"Diversified Offensive Skillset" — Amidst a Breakout Rookie Season, Keyonte George is One of the Steals of the Draft

When your name is mentioned in the same sentence with stars like Tim Duncan, you know your NBA career is off to a good start.

After finishing in the top-3 for Rookie of the Year voting, Kessler was named to the All-Rookie first team following his sensational rookie season.&nbsp;

"It's a good feeling. … It's cool to have that recognition," Kessler said. "Honestly, I thought it was possible because I knew what I could do. … I just didn't know if the opportunities would be given. I'm lucky to have my teammates and the staff, I wouldn't be able to do anything without them."

After being brought along slowly by head coach Will Hardy and staff, injuries to the team gave Kessler the opportunity for an expanded role as he stepped into the starting lineup. It was an opportunity he didn't let pass him by, as the 7-foot center ran with it and never looked back.

His season changed on Jan. 10 in Utah's victory over Cleveland, getting the start following an ankle injury to Kelly Olynyk. He then dropped double-doubles in three of the next five games — including a rare 20-point, 20-rebound performance against Minnesota and the first one in history for a Utah Jazz rookie.&nbsp;

He finished the year averaging 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in his 40 starts. He was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February, debuted in the Rising Stars game at All-Star weekend that same month, and then dropped a career-high 31 points in late March.&nbsp;

"The physical tools that he has allowed him to have an opportunity to be successful," Hardy said of his rookie big man. "He showed so much growth on both ends of the floor. I think defense probably comes natural to Walker in a lot of ways, but his ability to learn the offense on the fly was tremendous."

With his playing time increasing, he quickly established himself as one of the better rim protectors in the league.

"Like all of the best defenders in the NBA, part of it is they have a reputation," Hardy said of Kessler. "I think for sure the reputation that he has now is helpful. … He's really gotten the respect of the league, the officials, the players, in terms of being one of those premier shot blockers."

Yet when asked about the recognition and how he's taken a giant leap this season, Kessler quickly points out that his teammates and coaches deserve the most credit for teaching him.

"I just wanted to learn," he said. "I went into this year trying to learn as much as I could so when I do get the opportunity, I can take advantage and try to help us win the game. I figured by doing that, the rest would take care of itself."

That success, respect, and accolades lead back to being named in the same sentence as Duncan. While nobody is predicting that Kessler will be the second coming of Duncan, he put up defensive numbers that no rookie had come close to averaging since the Spurs legend.

Kessler became the first rookie in 25 years to record at least four games of 7+ blocks, trailing Duncan's five times in 1998, and he became the first Jazz rookie ever to record a 30-point, 10-rebound game.

"I always had this belief in me. … but it's funny how everything works out," he said.

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"I Thought It Was Possible" | Kessler Finishes Rookie Campaign With All-Rookie First Team Selection

It's rare for a player to turn the table and ask questions during a postgame media session — yet when Walker Kessler takes his seat behind the microphone, anything is possible.&nbsp;

"Did I goaltend that Devin Booker one or no? I was curious because I can't believe I got to that one," he said, referring to a block in the third quarter of Monday's showdown against the Suns.&nbsp;

The room went silent as reporters scanned the replays looking for the block in question. It was so quiet that one of Utah's PR members asked the media if there were any more questions as Kessler sat idle. After a minute of searching in silence, a laptop was placed in front of Kessler, and he got his answer.&nbsp;

"Oh, I got that? Geez. … That's crazy," he said with a smile.

That entire scenario was just another unexpected and delightful moment in Kessler's sensational first season.&nbsp;

For someone whose main goal in life (or one of them) is to open up a Waffle House, the rookie has burst onto the scene this year.

He dropped a double-double against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Denver in the season opener. He became the first rookie to drop a 20-point, 20-rebound double in the last decade just a month later. He was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February, debuted at All-Star weekend that same month, and then dropped a career-high 31 points in late March.&nbsp;

He also became the first rookie in 25 years to record at least four games of 7+ blocks, trailing Tim Duncan's five times in 1998 and he became the first Jazz rookie ever to record a 30-point, 10-rebound game.

Yet when asked about all of those accolades and how he's taken a giant leap this season, Kessler is quick to point out that his teammates and coaches deserve the most credit for teaching him.

"I always had this belief in me, but I just wanted to learn," he said. "I went into this year trying to learn as much as I could so when I do get the opportunity, I can take advantage and try to help us win the game. I figured by doing that, the rest would take care of itself."

While it's been well-documented how good he's been this season, both as a rookie and a rim protector, Monday's 18-point, eight-rebound, seven-block performance was different. It was the first time this season that Kessler appeared to get the benefit of the doubt when it came to an official's whistle. It was extremely apparent how much he affected the game by his reputation more than his play — at least early on.&nbsp;

"His technique is improved," head coach Will Hardy said. "I think for sure the reputation that he has now is helpful. … He's really gotten the respect of the league, the officials, the players, in terms of being one of those premier shot blockers."

Phoenix took just 20 of their 101 shots at the rim on Monday, even when they had a numbers advantage. The Suns wanted nothing to do with him when he was lurking in the paint. It allowed the Jazz to run Phoenix off the three-point line knowing they still weren't going to take the ball inside and challenge Kessler at the rim.

When asked if he's noticed a change in his reputation, Kessler admits that he's being officiated differently — in a good way.

"Obviously, it's a learning curve for me, but I feel like the refs kind of know that's what I do. … They're definitely letting me go get some," Kessler said.

But it's not just the officials who are noticing. He talked on Monday night about how opposing players are now giving him more credit, constantly remarking about his size, length, or athleticism. Those blocks, the ones where players think they have a free lane, are the ones Kessler gets the most excited about.&nbsp;

"A lot of times, they think they got an open layup or something, and I can get to it. … They're definitely a little caught off guard by it, for sure," he added.&nbsp;

With an ever-growing list of accolades and a reputation that continues to build, Kessler has made his case to be chosen to the NBA All-Rookie team. It's a case that now, according to Hardy, includes another great distinction.&nbsp;

"Like all of the best defenders in the NBA, part of it is they have a reputation," Hardy said of Kessler. "It's not that they don't ever foul, but they're known as a great defender. … So those moments where it's a coin toss, they get the benefit of the doubt more often."

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"He's Gotten The Respect Of The League" | Kessler's Reputation Continues To Grow As He Makes His All-Rookie Case

With so many storylines overtaking Utah's showdown with Orlando on Thursday night, one of the most important ones was the battle between the two most recent Rookie of the Month winners: Utah's Walker Kessler and Orlando's Paolo Banchero.

"Walker has been a huge key for us this season on both ends of the court," Jazz head coach Will Hardy said of his rookie big man. "He's such a big part of our defense, his athleticism has been huge for us. He's as naturally gifted a shot blocker and rim protector that I've been around. … He's unreal."

While Banchero appears poised to run away with the Rookie of the Year award — and for a good reason, he's deserving — Kessler has made a late push to at least make things interesting. They both won Rookie of the Month honors in February and appear locks for All-Rookie nominations, adding a little more flair to the game in mid-March.

"He's a hell of a young player," Hardy said of Banchero. "I don't think it's just his skillset, his body, his physicality, the tenacity that he plays with is what stands out. He's a physical force and shows the ability to put a lot of pressure on the rim. … He was the focal point of our discussions."

Although neither admitted that the game felt like a one-on-one battle, it took 30 seconds before they faced off against one another. The league's best rookie on defense found himself alone on the perimeter, matched up with the most talented scorer of the rookie class — with the only question remaining, who would win the battle?

Turns out the defense beat the offense on this possession.

After a screen in which he switched and found himself matched up with Banchero on the perimeter, Kessler, using his length and athleticism, pinned Banchero's first shot off the backboard, grabbed the rebound, and helped ignite the fast break bucket on the other end.

"It was nothing special to be honest," Kessler said of the block. "My teammates expect to make those sort of plays, so that's what I have to do to try and help us win. … At the end of the day, it's only about what I can do for the team and nothing else."

While nobody puts much stake into a singular play that happens less than one minute in the game, ask any member of Jazz Nation and that play felt significant for good reason. Kessler showed confidence to not just switch out on Banchero, but he more than held his own against a player who's been torching defenses all season long.

In the end, both players showed why they're so highly touted. Kessler dropped a double-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, while Banchero caught fire in the fourth to finish with 26 points and eight rebounds.

"He's a great player, super skilled, obviously extremely athletic and physical," Kessler said of Banchero. "But it definitely feels good to get some recognition on my end. … I'm just going to keep doing what I do."

What made their showdown so enticing wasn't just that both of them had proven to be among the top rookies in the class, their respective journeys couldn't have been more different to this point.

Leading up to the NBA draft in June 2022, much talk was about Banchero — and for a good reason. A legit three-level scorer with all of the physical tools to succeed immediately in the NBA, Banchero was chosen No. 1 overall by the Magic and has thrived since he stepped onto an NBA court as a rookie.

But while Banchero was shaking hands with many people, doing multiple radio and TV interviews over the next couple of hours, Kessler sat silently at his table in the Barclays Center. The 7-footer from Auburn was an expected first round pick, but after 21 names had come and gone, he still sat in his chair, waiting.

Then finally, with the No. 21 overall pick, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves had chosen Kessler.

Banchero has lived up to the lofty expectations, averaging 20.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in helping the Magic emerge as dark horses to make the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference.

On the other end, Kessler started the season on the bench, but has made his way into the starting lineup and is now seen as a massive piece of Utah's rebuild. He's started 29 of his 63 games on the year, averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks.

He leads all rookies in double-doubles with 16 and became the first rookie to post a 20-20 double-double since 2014 — and he was the first rookie since Alonzo Mourning (1992-93) to put up those numbers on 65% shooting or better in a game.

"I mean, I see it," Kessler said when asked if he pays attention to the rookie of the year race. "But for me, it's always just about trying to impact the game as much as I can and try to win the game at the end. … The rest of it takes care of itself."

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"I Mean, I See It" | Kessler Wins Battle With Banchero, Makes All-Rookie Case

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All‑Rookie

“Confidence Comes From Preparation” — George Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

"Diversified Offensive Skillset" — Amidst a Breakout Rookie Season, Keyonte George is One of the Steals of the Draft

"I Thought It Was Possible" | Kessler Finishes Rookie Campaign With All-Rookie First Team Selection

"He's Gotten The Respect Of The League" | Kessler's Reputation Continues To Grow As He Makes His All-Rookie Case

"I Mean, I See It" | Kessler Wins Battle With Banchero, Makes All-Rookie Case