Walker Kessler

Ryan Kostecka

Just over a year ago, Walker Kessler was adjusting to life in the league.&nbsp;

After being drafted by Minnesota and subsequently traded to the Jazz just weeks later, Kessler was more focused on surviving his rookie season in the NBA than what sort of difference he could make in Utah.&nbsp;

But what a difference one year makes.&nbsp;

Kessler went from being relatively unknown to an All-Rookie First-Team member and one of the best defensive centers in the league. He emerged as a key focal point for the rebuilding Jazz, somebody with immense potential and the work ethic to continue improving.&nbsp;

"It's a good feeling. … It's cool to have that recognition," Kessler said after finishing in the top-3 for Rookie of the Year voting. "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."

Now Kessler can add another first to his resume — suiting up for Team USA. Kessler was chosen to represent America at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and named to the senior national team.&nbsp;

"I was working out at the practice facility in Utah, and JZ (Utah GM Justin Zanik) comes on the court and tells me to stop and take a call," Kessler said of how he found out he made the team. "I was kind of freaking out, thinking I might get traded, but then he said it was coach (Will Hardy). He then told me congrats on making the USA team. … I was definitely kind of speechless, but here I am."

Having already played in Team USA's first exhibition game — dropping five points and four rebounds in limited minutes — Kessler is using his time with the national team as another step in his evolution.&nbsp;

Playing behind expected starter Jaren Jackson Jr. and backups Bobby Portis and Paolo Banchero, Kessler understands that time on the court will take a lot of work. But he can still play a significant role and continue to grow his game.&nbsp;

"I think that my defensive ability on the floor, having that role of being the defensive anchor, I'm excited," Kessler said. "I'm also excited to learn from Jaren, seeing what he does and how he made it. … It's an unbelievable opportunity to learn."

He understands that he may take some lumps competing against some of the best players in the NBA on a daily basis in practice, it's all a learning process — the same mindset he had when he first got drafted and joined the Jazz.&nbsp;

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

After beginning last season on the bench, everything changed on Jan. 10 in Utah's victory over Cleveland. Getting the start following an ankle injury to Kelly Olynyk, he dropped double-doubles in three of the following five games — including a rare 20-point, 20-rebound performance against Minnesota, the first one in history for a Utah Jazz rookie.&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;

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.

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

After introducing himself to the NBA this past season, he has a chance to do the same with the world — an opportunity he's embracing.&nbsp;

"I feel like every kid watches the Olympics and the Dream Team, all these USA teams, and to finally be here representing the US, it's an unbelievable honor," Kessler said. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity."

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"Opportunity To Learn" | Kessler Embracing The Challenge Of Playing For Team USA

While the Jazz are already preparing for next year, they still have a presence at the Finals.&nbsp;

Walker Kessler, a first-team All-Rookie nominee from this past season, will be an NBA Finals media correspondent when Denver hosts Miami in Game 2. To watch Kessler shine with the microphone, follow along on the NBA App & NBA Social on Sunday — tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MT.

Although self-admittedly not the most fashionable person in the league, some of Kessler’s duties may include fit checks, behind-the-scenes footage, and potential interviews with players/coaches. He could also provide analysis on the game and breakdown potential matchups between the teams. 

Apart from shining on the court, Kessler wowed in his first season as a personable character with a great sense of humor. He was confident, funny, and enjoyable with media throughout the year, answering questions relatively easily and enjoying every moment.&nbsp;

But for those asking just how good Kessler was during his rookie season, having his name mentioned in the same sentence with stars like Tim Duncan is a great indication.

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."

"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."

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;

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

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."

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Kessler To Serve As NBA Finals Media Correspondent For Sunday's Game 2 Showdown

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.

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.

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

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;

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;

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

Less than two months after getting drafted, Walker Kessler got a real taste of life in the league.&nbsp;

After limited time to get comfortable in Minnesota, he was traded to Utah as part of the Rudy Gobert deal. Kessler&nbsp;went from being part of a veteran squad to a Jazz team in the early stages of a rebuild.&nbsp;

Without knowing it, that early lesson helped prepare him for the rigors of being a rookie — and that's precisely what&nbsp;the 2022-23 season was all about. Tests around every corner — and Kessler passed with flying colors.&nbsp;

To say it was a whirlwind season for the center would be an understatement, as Kessler ended the year 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.

"The physical tools that he has allows him to have an opportunity to be successful," head coach Will Hardy said of his rookie big man. "He's shown 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 has been tremendous."

Though Kessler showed steady progress going from the first center off the bench to NBA starter, it wasn't until March 27 against Phoenix when Hardy and the Jazz felt like the rookie arrived. Despite Utah falling to the Suns, Kessler's dominance in the paint and the respect shown by officials showed how much he'd grown.&nbsp;

He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes, shooting 8-of-10 from the field. But his defense made the difference as he recorded seven blocks on the night, limiting the Suns to just 20 of their 101 shots at the rim. Even when they had a numbers advantage, Phoenix wanted nothing to do with Kessler when he was lurking in the paint.

"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 of his blocks.

"His technique has 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."

With an ever-growing list of accolades and a reputation that continues to build, Kessler is a finalist for Rookie of the Year and a near-lock to be named first-team All-Rookie — not bad for someone who spent the season learning lessons every night.

"It's funny how everything works out," Kessler said.

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"Have A Reputation" | Kessler Develops Reputation And Earns Respect In Breakout Rookie Season

Gabby Hundman

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Walker Kessler 22/23 Season Mixtape | UTAH JAZZ

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PHOTOS | Walker Kessler 22/23 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.”

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

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