Initially hesitant at the start of the season, Walker Kessler ended up brilliantly replacing Rudy Gobert in the Jazz racket. An indisputable starter from January 10, he finished his first season averaging 11.9 points with 71% shooting success, 10.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 28 minutes over his last 34 matches.
He then continued with international experience, participating in the World Cup with Team USA. He therefore approaches his second season with confidence, aware that he is no longer a beginner.
“We automatically have more confidence,” does he slip at the Deseret News. “Because we are much more comfortable. We know we’ve done it before. We’ve played with these players before, we know what it’s like. »
He even has a new status in Utah. In a few weeks, he established himself as the starting pivot, the last bastion in defense and a crucial player for Will Hardy. From now on, he sets an example in training.
“I am part of the first group, although I am still young and I still have a lot to learn. I am now in the group that shows things. I am not on the side watching, being in the third group where we observe the same action three times in a row. You have to be focused, always mentally ready. »
For his second season, and with his evolution in 2023, Walker Kessler knows he must confirm. The small mistakes of his first year will no longer be so forgiven. Jazz expects more and better.
“It’s good to have a good rookie season, but it’s not like he had a great season,” notes his coach, always for the Deseret Newswhile mentioning at the same time the case of Ochai Agbaji. “We all remember the last thirty matches and it was incredible. But we want them to continue this momentum. Having an impact every night in the NBA is difficult. The most important thing for them is to be reliable. »
| Walker Kessler | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | UTH | 74 | 23 | 72.0 | 33.3 | 51.6 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 8.4 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 9.2 |
| Total | 74 | 23 | 72.0 | 33.3 | 51.6 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 8.4 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 9.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
