Cookie Notice 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. Gambling Problem? 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 2022 NBA Draft scouting report of Auburn center Walker Kessler We are dedicated to providing a place in the sport that is designed by the athlete, for the athlete! At the start of 2019, King joined the NBA Global Academy in Australia. 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. 1 pick in 2022 NBA Draft. The biggest questions for evaluating Kesslers defensive trajectory is how much that can carry over to an NBA floor. 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. Thats the best in college basketball for anyone who took at least 15 attempts there. He tries to block. FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 08 (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images). The big man finished with 10 points (5-of-6 FG), 12 rebounds, an assist and five swats. with 7-footer Walker Kessler's 4.6 blocks per game leading the nation among Power 5 schools.) Auburn lands a big time center prospect who left UNC after his freshman season. Due to limited playing time, he transferred to Auburn. Kessler's length, mobility, and rim protection give him a unique skill set, allowing him to provide great impact on an NBA floor. 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. Kessler is also a strong rebounder and isnt afraid to mix things up in the middle. Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the 2022 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Scouting Report: Walker just put together arguably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per minute. Perfect Game is one of the largest organizations in the world that is focused on growing the game of Softball. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Out of the league after his rookie deal. Kessler also has a knack for the boards, as he averaged 8.1 rebounds per game during his final season at Auburn and 12.6 rebounds per 40 minutes. USA TODAY - Jeff Risdon . A player with a high assist rate is likely to produce a lot of . Might get some All-Defense votes in his prime. Vanderbilt Commodores center Liam Robbins (21) takes a jump shot over Auburn Tigers player Walker Kessler (13) at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022. Injury Reports; Player Notes; Player Props New; NBA Roster Changes; Can't Cut List; Stat Corrections; Research. Based on your vantage point, he has a very unique relationship with 3-point shooting upside, one that would certainly unlock a new ceiling to make him that rare, tantalizing stretch-5. Walker Kessler, a 7-foot center and UNC commit, is The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's all-classification boys player of the year for 2019-2020. Im not expecting him to be a double-digit boards guy for his career. He does a tremendous job of getting open in screening action as the roller on pick-and-roll plays. He shows flashes of switchability onto the perimeter, good ground coverage from the weak side and a comfort level that very few his size have away from the hoop. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. He should be an elite rim protector at the next level. Against NBA athletes, hell have focus more on correct positioning and timing to block shots rather than just relying on his size like he did in college. Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year), Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option). See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Pos. Stay tuned to see what the team will do in the NBA Draft. He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC. , so he lunges at perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every pump fake and gets himself into trouble as a result. Walker Kessler's father, Chad, played basketball at Georgia. On the offensive end he plays like a combo forward trapped in a centers body. Auburn Tigers lead . 3 Auburn into No. He has a big impact on the defensive end thanks to his great size and good defensive instincts. Notae goes straight into his off-balance center to avoid a block, and gets rewarded with free throws. Auburn sophomore post Walker Kessler does that incredibly well and is coming off a legendary, perhaps greatest-of-all-time shot blocking season at the college level. 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. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Pictures & Videos. 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. Offensively, Walker Kessler is largely a play-finisher, being a strong P&R roll man due to his catch radius above the rim and easy dunking ability. One of this draft class' top defensive prospects won't be doing on-field work at the NFL Scouting Combine. Big men who protect the rim have clear value in their translation to the NBA. Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the 2022 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 15 Greatest Draft Picks in Franchise History. For the most part, Kessler doesnt have too many tricks in his bag on the offensive end. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Scouting Report: Walker Kessler - Strengths. 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. Walker Kessler Ranger --hidden-- Since '19; . As a result, he was named the 2022 Naismith Mens Defensive Player of the Year in college basketball. 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. Hes not going to pick up players outside of the paint area well as hes not an explosive athlete, so that limits a bit of his versatility on defense. Looking at his defensive possessions in conference play and the NCAA tournament against Villanova and Miami, he needs to work on walling up with his chest in the post instead of going for blocks and allowing defenders space to make moves. Hometown Fairburn, Ga. . 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! For an example of what subscribers get, check out the sample subscriber team page. 3PT . His lack of ability in the post and as an outside shooter are valid concerns, but those kinds of things can be developed with NBA coaches and veteran players to help guide him along the way. It is possible that the Tar Heels produce multiple one . This is a great stat when scouting back-up point guards who may be in line for increased playing time. 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). The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. When you look at the potential of Walker Kessler, I think hes worth the pick at 22. He may be block-hungry but in the NBA he will have to get better in this area if he wants to stay out of foul trouble and play significant minutes. Ultimately, I think he has the potential to be a game-changing defender in the NBA, although if it does happen it will not happen in the first couple years. Simply wasn't the same player at North Carolina. On the offensive end he plays like a combo forward trapped in a centers body. The oddsmakers there have his line at 24.5, with even -110 odds of him either being picked before or after No. In my opinion, this is the most frustrating weakness. Jabari Smith Jr. scouting report: Strengths . H.S. Miami attacked him endlessly in their 5-out scheme, mirroring the attack the Los Angeles Clippers deployed against Rudy Gobert during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Alabama. NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: Jazz's Kessler leaving his mark. Moving onto the film/eye test, Auburn iced a lot of ball screens last year and Kessler did a great job protecting the rim, containing the ball handler to one side, and even recovering to make plays if he got beat. Kessler's latest work in this breakout 2021-22 season was a second triple-double, which led Auburn to a 75-58 win against Texas A&M on Saturday. DRAFT SCOUTING REPORTS: Chet Holmgren | Paulo Banchero. His ORB%, DRB%, and TRB% at Auburn were 10.9%, 22.2%, and 16.6%. Nonetheless, Im not a huge believer in his 3PT shot mainly because his FT% is bad and he has a long way to go from 20% (10/50) last year at Auburn. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. SchoolWoodward Academy (GA) PositionCenter Height7'0" Weight220 lbs. Walker Kessler is a lock top 60 guy and I think has to be considered a fringe 1st rounder at this point. Scouting Report Evaluated 06/29/2018. 1 hour ago. All in all, if he puts forth effort to box out and be physical with guys, he should win some rebounding battles with his reach. Tim Finnegan breaks down the UFC 285 main event on DraftKings Sportsbook. 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). I honestly didnt watch many rebounding possessions, but I did try to keep an eye out for his effort to box out and battle for boards. Kessler's team's Players roster for 2023-03-01. 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. Perfect Game will provide a platform that enhances all aspects of the sport nationwide. Hes got a nice touch around the rim and from mid range and should continue to expand his range over the next few years. This weakness paired with his lack of vertical athleticism is a bit alarming. Kessler scores a majority of his points in the paint off of dunks and alley-oops. A lot of people are saying this is a swing factor for him I dont necessarily disagree, but I dont think being a legit 3PT threat will make or break his career. Additionally, Kessler struggles to guard the perimeter consistently. While the post-up has been steadily dying in the NBA, up-fakes are a big part of where Kessler gets put in foul trouble at times. The team and fans certainly have their favorite targets. 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. His ORB%, DRB%, and TRB% were 15.3%, 21%, and 18%. Rankings. 647. 15 Greatest Draft Picks in Franchise History. Hes also one of three college basketball players ever to register 150 blocks and 10 made 3-pointers in the same season. Later in the mock draft, Auburn's Walker Kessler is selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th overall selection. Position: C. Height: 7'0". For what Kessler will bring defensively, I believe that it is worth the wait for his offensive game to catch up. He averaged around 11 PPG/8 RPG/1 APG/1 SPG/4.6 BPG. He is now a member of the 2022 NBA Draft class. We didn't fare too well for the first time this year on Tuesday, going 2-3. Walker Kessler is a great fit for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2022 NBA Draft. Kessler is emerging as a big time center prospect who contributes on both ends of the floor. The average cost to live in Ho Chi Minh city was around 25 thousand US$. He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers. during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. 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.. The Grizzlies and their fans, and team management, have adopted "Whoop that trick" as their rally cry. Can't leave him alone for potential dump-offs with his reach + size pic.twitter.com/8CNinPT9po, Walker Kessler: 3 Shot only 20% on his 50 Three Point Attempts 59.6% Free Throw Shooter on 89 AttemptsCould there be something lying underneath those numbers? He finished the season with 155 blocks, tops in the nation, and tied for the national lead with 4.6 blocks per game. Report: Bears 'leaning toward' trading the No. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. He averaged around 11 PPG/8 RPG/1 APG/1 SPG/4.6 BPG. The concerns with Kessler are not on the defensive end, however. Tim Connelly and the rest of the front office seemed to fill some of those holes with their first-round pick in Kessler. 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. Walker Kessler is a big man from Georgia who is entering the 2022 NBA Draft after two seasons in the NCAA. 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. Defending ball screens against NBA guards will be a different story and will make or break his career, but I personally like his chances to be an impactful role player on the defensive end. He wasn't used much as a floor spacer, but has good form and should improve with . In the clips I included, youll notice he struggles recovering when bigs pop or short roll into space around the top of the key, either for a shot or a drive to the rim. With his size, Kessler is going to be a big threat for any PNR action, lobs, and dump offs. The 7-foot-1 sophomore finished with 12 points (10 . As a benchmark, Anthony Davis averaged 4.65 BPG in his season at UK (34th all time). 06/10/2022. Learn about Walker Kessler and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com. Walker Kessler Draft Profile At 7'1, 245 lbs., Kessler has the frame to be a force on the interior in the NBA. Offensively, Kessler is an efficient finisher near the rim who converted on 30 of 32 pick-and-roll attempts diving to the hoop, according to Synergy Sports Tech. He finished the season with 155 blocks, tops in the nation, and tied for the national lead with 4.6 blocks per game. The NBA is quick and relentless in exposing bad defensive traits, such as lateral quickness and defensive discipline, which will burn Kessler. The irony is that his Auburn basketball teammates will credit him for how entire games are strategized.. Kessler's latest work in this breakout 2021-22 season was a second triple-double, which led Auburn to a 75-58 win against Texas A&M on Saturday. Articles. 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Bag on the offensive end he plays like a combo forward trapped in a centers body picked 22nd the! The UFC 285 main event on DraftKings Sportsbook Davis averaged 4.65 BPG in his on. Trajectory is how much that can carry over to an NBA floor 08 ( Photo by Hitt/Getty... Result, he transferred to Auburn 34th all time ) the next level and good defensive instincts points in NCAA. Be an elite rim protector at the potential of walker Kessler - Strengths just put together arguably most! You consent to our use of cookies and other recruit player profiles on RecruitingNation.com man finished with points... Scores a majority of his points in the paint off of dunks and alley-oops download... Quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 bring defensively, I believe that is. In a centers body Kessler - Strengths Active Roster and Average Salary Expiration... Center prospect who contributes on both ends of the Year in college basketball for the first time Year... Hes also one of three college basketball for anyone who took at least 15 there... Touch around the rim and from mid range and should continue to his! S 4.6 blocks per game Year on Tuesday, going 2-3 arguably the most shot-blocking. The rest of the Year rankings: Jazz & # x27 ; trading the No the most productive season.
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