Rookie Of The Year

Ryan Kostecka

The goals for first-round draft picks in the NBA are usually to win Rookie of the Year, make the All-Rookie team, and establish themselves in the league.&nbsp;

However, Walker Kessler is different from most rookies. That's why his goals for the season were none of the above

"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. I figured by doing that, the rest would take care of itself."

The opportunity that Kessler was speaking eventually presented itself, and the 7-foot center ran with it and never looked back.&nbsp;

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-rebounds performance against Minnesota.&nbsp;

And he never went back to the bench.&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;

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.

Because of his phenomenal season, Kessler was one of three finalists for the Rookie of the Year award. Although he didn't win the award — Paolo Banchero (Orlando) finished first while Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City) finished second — Kessler did take home two first-place votes and finished third.&nbsp;

"The physical tools that he has allowed him to have an opportunity to be successful," head coach Will 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."

While he didn't bring home the hardware, Kessler successfully established himself in the league.

"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."

Developing that reputation was critical to his success as it often gave him the benefit of the doubt in 50-50 calls.

"His technique has improved," 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."

Despite coming up short for Rookie of the Year, Kessler is still seen as a favorite to make the All-Rookie first team.&nbsp;

To go from the No. 22 pick in the NBA draft to being traded two months later, what Kessler accomplished this season with the Jazz was nothing short of sensational.&nbsp;

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

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"Help Us Win" | Kessler Seized Every Opportunity During Impressive Rookie Season

Nobody knew what to expect when Lauri Markkanen entered the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;

He had just dominated the EuroBasket competition for Finland, showing his ability to be a No. 1 scoring option on a successful team. But as he transitioned back to the NBA for the upcoming season, many assumed he would return to being what he was for the past five seasons — a solid role player.&nbsp;

Announced Friday evening, Markkanen has been chosen as one of three finalists for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. He is joined by other nominees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) and Jalen Brunson (New York).

Simply put, Markkanen was among the brightest and best storylines in the NBA this season.&nbsp;

The sixth-year forward had a breakout season, being named to his first All-Star game and eventually chosen as a starter. He's also a prime candidate to be selected All-NBA after a record-breaking season that saw him become the first player in NBA history to have 200 threes and 100 dunks in a season.

As Utah's No. 1 option, he averaged career-highs in points (25.6), shot attempts (17.3), field goal percentage (49.9%), free throw percentage (87.5%), assists (1.9), and minutes (34.4).&nbsp;

He also averaged 8.6 rebounds per game, 39.2% from three, and 58.6% effective field goal percentage, all the second-most in his career.

"I think it's been my overall game coming together," Markkanen said. "Working on my overall game, working on where my spots are on the floor. … I've just been trying to bring everything together and just keep working on the overall package."

"Our team looks to Lauri," head coach Will Hardy added. "He's an NBA All-Star for a reason, and he's had a consistency about not only his play but his approach all season.&nbsp;I don't know what the ceiling is on Lauri. … I don't think any of us do, but I'm pretty sure we haven't seen it yet.”

However, Markkanen is not the only Jazzman potentially taking home some hardware this season.&nbsp;

Walker Kessler, Utah's beloved and talented rookie — and Markkanen's campaign manager — was announced as one of three finalists for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award. He is joined by Paolo Banchero (Orlando) and Jaylen Williams (Oklahoma City).

To say it was a whirlwind season for the center would be an understatement, as Kessler burst onto the scene as one of the top rookies in the league. There's no questioning his impact on both ends of the court, as he emerged as one of the best rim protectors in the game and is considered a near lock for the All-Rookie team.

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 at All-Star weekend that same month, and then dropped a career-high 31 points in late March.&nbsp;

"I always had this belief in me, but I just wanted to learn,” Kessler 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."

"Like all of the best defenders in the NBA, part of it is they have a reputation," Hardy added. "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.”

always-had-this-belief-markkanen-and-kessler-named-finalists-for-nba-awards

"Always Had This Belief" | Markkanen And Kessler Named Finalists For NBA Awards

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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