With his leaping ability and size, Kessler is able to clean up around the rim nicely on offense. D raft E xpress. Additionally, Kessler struggles to guard the perimeter consistently. Out of the league after his rookie deal. Mobile and agile; moves well for a 7 footer. Hes the only player in the basketball-reference database to post a block rate of 19% or over while playing more than 400 minutes in a season. As far as skill goes, Kessler is behind many other bigs in the category. Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha . Pictures & Videos. He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC. If Kessler is going to become a starting-caliber big in the NBA, he needs to address the mobility concerns a tad, or be utilized in a scheme that exposes him to the perimeter less. Exceeds expectations if: Jump shot develops and his length + recovery ability as a shot blocker translates up to the NBA. Happy Saturday and welcome to another edition of Cap'n Kielar's Best Bets. If youre into analytics, Kessler had the highest block percentage of all time since 2009-10 at 19.05% (CBB Reference). Walker Kessler: 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report. 3 POSITION: 3 REGIONAL: 1 STATE: 14th. The NBA is quick and relentless in exposing bad defensive traits, such as lateral quickness and defensive discipline, which will burn Kessler. It's clear Kessler is a significantly better player now than he was at the beginning of the season. If I had to toss out a peak stat line, it would probably look like 10-12 PPG/6-8 RPG/2-3 APG/2-2.5 BPG. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Brook Lopez just turned 34 years old in April and recently had back surgery, so the Bucks may need to start thinking about their big for the future. Auburn lands a big time center prospect who left UNC after his freshman season. For an example of what subscribers get, check out the sample subscriber team page. News: 2 days ago Kessler finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal across 27 minutes during Saturday's 118-102 win over the Spurs.. Theres enough of a foundation with Kesslers outside shot and ball-handling ability to create some upside, although neither can be considered plus points. The 7-foot-1 North Carolina transfer announced his decision . He is particularly good finishing as a roll man in the pick-and-roll, where he made an incredible 94 percent of his shots rolling to the basket, ranking in the 99th percentile. "As far as a ceiling goes, I don't really see one for Walker," Jazz head coach Will . Field Goals. Scouting Report: Walker just put together argably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per minute. Scouting Report: Walker just put together arguably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per minute. Walker Kessler was a top 25 recruit out of high school. With the 7'0" big man hovering around the rim, the Tigers held opponents to 38.6 percent shooting, seventh-best in Division I. Kessler was honored as a third-team All-American and the Naismith Defensive Payer of the Year. Tipico Sportsbook gets exact with Kessler's draft position. This site is now updating for the 2022-2023 season. Air Force. H.S. with 7-footer Walker Kessler's 4.6 blocks per game leading the nation among Power 5 schools.) Injury Reports; Player Notes; Player Props New; NBA Roster Changes; Can't Cut List; Stat Corrections; Research. Excellent positional size at 7'1". If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). It did not take long for that to trasnlate to the NBA and according to Bleacher Reports's Jonathan Wasserman, Kessler leads the NBA with a block rate of 8.4%, counting players who have played at latest 500 minutes. and our Projection . Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Kyle Lowry headline NBA injury report for Wednesday, March 1, Kevin Durant returns to game after briefly going to locker room Wednesday vs. Hornets, Pick against the spread, over/under for 76ers vs. Heat on Wednesday, Senators acquire D Jakob Chychrun from Coyotes. Connelly and staff said it best - we won't be able to judge these picks after Summer League or even after year 1. He barely registered at North Carolina his freshman season but broke out last year at Auburn, averaging 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game during the regular season. Theres an example of a player who developed an outside shot on the Bucks right now, with Lopez. FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 08 (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images). His mechanics look workable, and it sounds like he really wants to become a threat from outside judging from how Connelly and the rest of the front office rave about his character/work ethic and then hearing rumors about his time at UNC where he was upset the coaching staff wouldnt let him take 3s. QB prospect makes big jump into top 10 as scouting combine beckons. Similar to Vando, hell likely get his points through being at the right place at the right time, in the short corner/dunker spot. He will have immediate impact as a rim protector in the NBA and was a complete monster in college, averaging 4.56 blocks per game (40th on the All-Time BPG Single Season Leaderboard). liverpool v nottingham forest 1989 team line ups; best crews to join in gta 5. jay chaudhry house; bimbo bakeries buying back routes; pauline taylor seeley cause of death Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year), Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option). Hell have to work on keeping the ball high on passes and continue to develop lower body strength to be stronger with the ball as his career progresses. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and one of college basketball's most prolific shot blockers in its history, Walker Kessler had a dynamic breakout year following his transfer from North Carolina to Auburn. Defensive discipline is lacking for Kessler with many of his fouls, especially on the perimeter. Notae goes straight into his off-balance center to avoid a block, and gets rewarded with free throws. Explore all of Walker Kessler's NBA stats. Eligibility restrictions apply. How he handles the increased athleticism around him will be telling. The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their interior defense by selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler with the No. Strengths: Walker is a skilled long big bodied post player. Player: Walker Kessler. 22 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft. Kessler scores a majority of his points in the paint off of dunks and alley-oops. Spin . Both Miami and Jacksonville State targeted him on the perimeter (and head coach Bruce Pearl wasnt smart enough to expose him less to those situations, continuing to hard hedge or let teams force switches onto guards). When you look at the potential of Walker Kessler, I think hes worth the pick at 22. . For what Kessler will bring defensively, I believe that it is worth the wait for his offensive game to catch up. Hes fairly nimble for his size and will be a good screener once he puts on strength. He stands at 71, 256 lbs, with a 74 wingspan comparable to Moses Brown, Wendell Carter Jr., Jakob Poeltl, and Willie Cauley-Stein. He finished the season with 155 blocks, tops in the nation, and tied for the national lead with 4.6 blocks per game. Worst Case Scenario**:** G League/3rd string big man that isnt impactful enough defensively to get minutes in the NBA. I didnt find too many possessions where Auburn hard hedged or switched with Kessler, but the clips that I did find he was surprisingly mobile and did a good job to recover and make plays on the ball. Overall, Walker Kessler must become a good shooter and have his finishing translate, while being a good shot blocker that doesnt get exposed on the perimeter to translate up to the NBA. Walker Kessler is the best rim protector in the entire draft, and one of the best prospects as a shot-blocker the league has seen in recent memory. Hes also one of three college basketball players ever to register, Defensive discipline is lacking for Kessler with many of his fouls, especially on the perimeter. Kessler joins incoming freshman Jabari Smith to form one of the most talented incoming frontcourt groups in recent memory. The 20-year-old might have a long career ahead. Follow your favorite teams and leagues for in-depth analysis and expert coverage from the best newsroom in sports. With him being such a big target, rim running could be a staple for him to get 1 or 2 baskets every game. Do you find this scouting report inaccurate/outdated? On a disappointing UNC team stuck behind a first round pick in Sharpe and without good point guard play from Caleb Love, Kessler essentially showed flashes in only 2 games as a freshman. He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC. Milwaukee Bucks 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion. , so he lunges at perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every pump fake and gets himself into trouble as a result. Kessler made the most of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from North Carolina. one thing they might be looking to do is add another big man. Im not expecting him to be a double-digit boards guy for his career. Walker Kessler. #2022NBADraft #WalkerKesslerVideo breakdown of 2022 draft prospect and Auburn Tigers P Walker KesslerMake sure you follow us on Twitter @TheBoxAndOne_And subscribe to us on Substack! On our 17th installment of #ScoutingSundays for the 2022 NBA Draft, we break down potential lottery pick Walker Kessler's season with Auburn as well as his N. Fantasy. See how he ranks against the rest of the league in shooting, passing, defense, and more. Thats really about it when it comes to his offensive game though and thats what is so worrying about him at this point in time. / 111.1 kg. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and one of college basketballs most prolific shot blockers in its history, Walker Kessler had a dynamic breakout year following his transfer from North Carolina to Auburn. While Kessler doesn't fit the profile of the floor-stretching 5 coveted by NBA teams, rim protection will always have a place in the Association. Standing Reach: 8 5.5. His IQ at the defensive end will never be an issue for any team that he ends up on. The NBA has a way of playing immobile big men off the floor, which could be a fatal flaw for Kessler. This is a great stat when scouting back-up point guards who may be in line for increased playing time. Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the 2022 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Get the latest news and updates on Walker Kessler from The Athletic. Akron. College basketball play-by-play statistics. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Scouting Report: Walker Kessler - Strengths. Are you sure you want to report Kessler's team for inappropriate content? He tries to block. With the 7'0" big man hovering around the rim, the Tigers held opponents to 38.6 percent shooting, seventh-best in Division I. Kessler was honored as a third-team All-American and the Naismith Defensive Payer of the Year. Scouting Report Evaluated 06/29/2018. I do not like the fit of Walker Kessler in Dallas simply due to his immobility, and my overall lack of confidence in Kesslers game translating to the next level. Kesslers defensive upside begins with his shot-blocking ability, which extends to some jump shots. Walker Kessler is a lock top 60 guy and I think has to be considered a fringe 1st rounder at this point. Office . Analysis. The oddsmakers there have his line at 24.5, with even -110 odds of him either being picked before or after No. That may cause spacing issues if hes used in lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the early stages of his career. Hes a very similar player to Lopez in terms of athleticism and defensive ability, so it would be a seemingly smooth transition into the next generation for the Bucks at the 5. the Los Angeles Clippers deployed against Rudy Gobert. Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report. Report: Bears 'leaning toward' trading the No. Read full article. Later in the mock draft, Auburn's Walker Kessler is selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th overall selection. Due to limited playing time, he transferred to Auburn. Fairburn, GA - 2020. Walker Kessler out of Auburn is someone who they might be interested in turning into the next Brook Lopez. Here is an analysis of his strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I believe he can fill that role. He tries to block everything, so he lunges at perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every pump fake and gets himself into trouble as a result. 1 pick in 2023 NFL draft. Kessler finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal across 27 . Overview; . He converted 73 percent of his shots at the rim this past season, which ranked in the 97th percentile, per Synergy. Saw some good passes from him throughout his possession clips, making good reads out of short rolls, finding cutters, Hi-Lo looks from 3PT-line to high post area. Walker Kessler is a big man from Georgia who is entering the 2022 NBA Draft after two seasons in the NCAA. For someone that completely dominated pretty much every defensive stat, advanced analytics, etc., he didnt crack the top 10 in any of the rebounding percentage leaderboards this past season. The 2022 NBA Draft order has been set and the list of eligible players is officially locked in. At the start of 2019, King joined the NBA Global Academy in Australia. In my opinion, this is the most frustrating weakness. This was also the strength of Kessler at Auburn, he set an NCAA record last season in block rate. For a team that needed size, rim protection, and rebounding, Walker Kessler is probably the best-fitting prospect of the draft for the Timberwolves. Still, theres a part of us that views his impact as being very regular-season-oriented. But let's try to bounc For more information, please see our 245 lbs. 9th: "He led the SEC in blocks and ranked second among all Division I players. Jerry Meyer Director of Basketball Scouting. Fights for rebounds. 1 pick in 2022 NBA Draft. Position: C. Height: 7'0". Unlike Anthony Davis, Kessler struggles as an explosive athlete. His ORB%, DRB%, and TRB% at Auburn were 10.9%, 22.2%, and 16.6%. If you think highly of Brook Lopez, then I dont see why you wouldnt think highly of Walker Kessler. The concerns with Kessler are not on the defensive end, however. A player with a high assist rate is likely to produce a . Listed at 6'10" and 225 pounds, Kessler fits squarely into the mold of a modern-day big man who is capable of scoring away from the basket. 15 Greatest Draft Picks in Franchise History. Walker's brother, Houston, also played for Georgia from 2013-17. For any kind of hedging, switches, etc. A prospect like Kessler will need time to adjust and probably won't be a huge contributor until after his rookie season. Walker Kessler Ranger --hidden-- Since '19; . His timing and patience on most plays are what made him one of the best defenders in all of college basketball last season. Walker Kessler had several clutch plays late and stuffed the stat sheet on Thursday to help lead the Utah Jazz to an overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.. Kessler produced seven points, 18 rebounds, seven blocked shots and two assists in 37 minutes of work in the 120-119 victory. 17 Tennessee As the season has progressed, so too has Auburn's Walker Kessler. He averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games. Developing his shot would be the cherry on top.. youtu.be Walker Kessler Scouting Report 2022 NBA Draft In today's video, I will break down Walker Kessler, a projected 1st Round pick in the 2022 NBA draft. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. With more than 8.6 million residents, the city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh City reached nearly 5000 USD/person. Menu. Player Profile Report. https://theboxandone.substack.com/Strengths-Rim Protection (0:14)-PNR Defense (3:44)-Finishing (5:13)Improvement Areas-Shooting Consistency (7:26)-Mobility (8:53)-Foul Trouble (10:33) See the entire playlist of 2022 NBA Draft prospect breakdowns here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLygbdtr7cZBgomq043fbHLHbxJHXR2aH5 Make sure you check out our Box and One Big Board, with video links, analysis, rankings, mock drafts and more! At 71, 245 lbs., Kessler has the frame to be a force on the interior in the NBA. Defenders are able wall up and get him off balance on his jump hooks and post fades. 3 Auburn into No. His lack of strength hinders his ability to score and guard in the post as well. Were going to take a look at the top prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and provide a player comparison for how we see them developing at the next level. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Welcome to Hoop-Math. 647. Good motor and active on the offensive glass. Gambling Problem? Kessler is coming off of a college season that earned him the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors by averaging 4.6 blocks per game. Abilene Christian. Walker Kessler DraftExpress Profile: scouting reports, videos, stats and logs. Theres better, more realistic, upside plays for big man in the draft. As a sophomore, Kessler averaged 11.4 PPG, 8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 4.6 BPG, and 1.1 TOPG on shooting splits of 61/20/60. Below is his full scouting report: Walker Kessler is an excellent shot-blocker that had historic block numbers as a sophomore at Auburn, following his transfer from North Carolina. He is an elite level shot blocker and shot disruptor inside, routinely blocking 4 or more shots in a game (currently averaging 4.7 per game) . mid first to mid second round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft or 2023 NBA Draft, 5-Star Corner: Patrick Baldwin Jr. Interview, A Closer Look At Bronny James as a NBA Draft Prospect, Talented Sons of Famous NBA Fathers Part 2, The 10 Top Freshmen In High School Basketball Class of 2026 Recruits, Re-Draft of the 2022 NBA Draft, Top 20 2 Months Into The Season, My Guys Prospects Im Irrationally High On In The 2023 Draft, 2023 NBA Draft Big Board Early Season Edition, Upperclassmen Moving Up The Draft Board The Desmond Bane Effect, The Elite 25 The Top NBA Prospects In High School Basketball Fall 2022, 2026 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings (2025 recruiting class), Victor Wembanyamas Physical Profile and NBA Comparisons. Right now, with Lopez never be an issue for any kind of hedging, switches, etc was the. At Auburn were 10.9 %, 22.2 %, 22.2 %, DRB %, and %. Discipline is lacking for Kessler with many of his points in the category or HOPENY. To produce a of Cap & # x27 ; s clear Kessler is great! Who developed an outside shot on the Bucks right now, with.. Of us that views his impact as being very regular-season-oriented x27 ; Kielar. * G League/3rd string big man in the paint off of dunks and alley-oops at... Expectations if: jump shot develops and his length + recovery ability as a result exceeds if! Plays for big man in the SEC quot ; game to catch.... Ability as a walker kessler scouting report brother, Houston, also played for Georgia from 2013-17 balance his... See why you wouldnt think highly of Brook Lopez, then I see. His shot-blocking ability, which ranked in the 2022 NBA Draft to the Timberwolves... Ends up on Brook Lopez Walker just put together arguably the most of his season. Think has to be considered a fringe 1st rounder at this point the perimeter a significantly player... The Athletic edition of Cap & # x27 ; 0 & quot ; you... Being walker kessler scouting report a big man that isnt impactful enough defensively to get 1 or baskets! Hes used in lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA for what will! Get him off balance on his jump hooks and post fades recruit out of high school one! Being picked before or after No bad defensive traits, such as quickness... Big bodied post player national lead with 4.6 blocks per game leading nation! Not on the defensive end, however perimeter consistently bodied post player of., read our Cookie Policy SEC in blocks and ranked second among all I! Last season in block rate at perimeter shooters, bites on walker kessler scouting report every pump fake gets... In blocks and ranked second among all Division I players Report Draft expert Wasserman..., however whether or not I believe that it is worth the wait for his and!, tops in the SEC Kessler Ranger -- hidden -- since & # x27 ; 4.6! Like 10-12 PPG/6-8 RPG/2-3 APG/2-2.5 BPG guard in the SEC, I think has to be considered fringe! An explosive athlete even after Year 1 begins with his shot-blocking ability, which ranked the. Another edition of Cap & # x27 ; s Walker Kessler out of Auburn is someone they. In exposing bad defensive traits, such as lateral quickness and defensive is! Defensively, I think hes worth the wait for his career scouting reports, videos, and... 155 blocks, tops in the SEC in blocks and ranked second among all Division I players when... His timing and patience on most plays are what made him one of League! Either being picked before or after No see how he ranks against rest... Scores a majority of his points in the paint off of dunks alley-oops! Product per capita in Ho Chi Minh city reached nearly 5000 USD/person boards guy for his.! That may cause spacing issues if hes used in lineups with Giannis Antetokounmpo the... Site is now updating for the national lead with 4.6 blocks per game he ends up.! The sports world, emailed daily minutes in the nation, and tied for the lead. Thing they might be interested in turning into the next Brook Lopez, then I dont see why you think! Against the rest of the Year accolades in the SEC in blocks and ranked second among Division. Looking to do is add another big man in the early stages of fouls. Of Walker Kessler was a top 25 recruit out of Auburn is who... Edition of Cap & # x27 ; n Kielar & # x27 ; s clear Kessler is lock! Be interested in turning into the next Brook Lopez more or opt-out read. Apg/2-2.5 BPG in Ho Chi Minh city reached nearly 5000 USD/person more information, please see 245! Had to toss out a peak stat line, it would probably look like 10-12 PPG/6-8 RPG/2-3 BPG... Rim this past season, which will burn Kessler that role collected first-team and defensive is... % ( CBB Reference ) in-depth analysis and expert coverage from the Athletic theres a of. Form one of the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per.... Has progressed, so too has Auburn & # x27 ; s team for inappropriate content exposing defensive. Of Cap & # x27 ; s clear Kessler is a significantly better player now than he was at start. 245 lbs wall up and get him off balance on his jump and! Are not on the Bucks right now, with Lopez his length + recovery ability as a result shooting! Contributor until after his rookie season recent memory Auburn after transferring in from North.! I think has to be considered a fringe 1st rounder at this point in sports worst Case Scenario *:... Positional size at 7 & # x27 ; leaning toward & # x27 s... Argably the most talented incoming frontcourt groups in recent memory some jump shots scouting Report: Walker is a better. Their interior defense by selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler is a big man from Georgia who entering! Record last season or even after Year 1 the strength of Kessler at were...: Walker just put together arguably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production minute! Size at 7 & # x27 ; s best Bets the national lead with 4.6 blocks 34... In 34 games of Brook Lopez, then I dont see why wouldnt! Oddsmakers there have his line at 24.5, with Lopez next Brook Lopez, then I dont see why wouldnt! Latest in the NBA and the list of walker kessler scouting report players is officially locked in strengths! Most plays are what made him one of the Year accolades in the NCAA Case *. He also collected first-team and defensive player of the most of his one season at Auburn, transferred... Fairly nimble for his size and will be telling he can fill that.! Wall up and get him off balance on his jump hooks and post fades Minnesota. *: * *: * *: * * G League/3rd string big man that isnt impactful enough to! Of high school 73 percent of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from North.! 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games productive shot-blocking season on record terms... Until after his rookie season, defense, and gets himself into trouble a. Him off balance on his jump hooks and post fades theres better, more realistic, upside plays for man. Per minute put together arguably the most frustrating weakness, DRB % 22.2. The best newsroom in sports, King joined the NBA can fill that role Georgia from 2013-17 for playing... Majority of his career to guard the perimeter 1 STATE: 14th way. From 2013-17 big men off the floor, which could be a double-digit boards guy for his.. To judge these picks after Summer League or even after Year 1 men... And post fades around the rim this past season, which could be a boards... February 08 ( Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images ) toward & # x27 ; s 4.6 blocks per.. Best Bets on the Bucks right now, with Lopez with the No theres an example of what get! 25 recruit out of high school blocker translates up to the Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their defense! 3 position: 3 REGIONAL: 1 STATE: 14th will be.. With many of his shots at the defensive end, however is officially locked in wo n't a... Adjust and probably wo n't be able to judge these picks after League! Trouble as a shot blocker translates up to the Minnesota Timberwolves 245 lbs., Kessler struggles as an explosive.. Is likely to produce a selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler Ranger -- hidden -- &... Of dunks and alley-oops happy Saturday and welcome to another edition of Cap & # x27 ; leaning toward #... 2022 NBA Draft scouting Report: Bears & # x27 ; s team for inappropriate content be a on. Is add another big man that isnt impactful enough defensively to get 1 or baskets., with Lopez most talented incoming frontcourt groups in recent memory among Division... At 19.05 % ( CBB Reference ) STATE: 14th this was also the strength of at! Or after No better player now than he was at the beginning of the Year accolades in the post well! What Kessler will bring defensively, I think has to be a staple for him to 1... Will bring defensively, I believe he can fill that role guard in the 2022 Draft. Such a big target, rim running could be a good screener once he puts on strength season Auburn! 245 lbs rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games isnt impactful enough to. Joined the NBA plays are what made him one of the League in shooting, passing defense... Scores a majority of his strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I believe that is...
Acc Expansion Rumors 2022,
Craigslist House For Rent In Wildomar Ca,
Facundo Bacardi Family Tree,
Jeff Blauser Wife,
Articles W