Inside The Jazz

Jazz C Walker Kessler Breaks Silence on Lack of Playing Time in FIBA

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler saw an uptick in minutes in Team USA's victory against Jordan.

Patrick Byrnes

Jazz C Walker Kessler Breaks Silence on Lack of Playing Time in FIBA
Jazz C Walker Kessler Breaks Silence on Lack of Playing Time in FIBA /
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Team USA keeps plugging away in the FIBA World Cup. On Wednesday, Team USA defeated Jordan in their last game in group play, 110-62. Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler finished the contest with eight points and one rebound in 12 minutes of action. 

It was the most court time Kessler has received since group play began on August 26. Despite spending most of the tournament as a spectator, he has a team-first mindset as Team USA advances to the next round. 

Kessler was asked about his lack of playing time after Wednesday’s blowout.

“I think that our team, all 12 of us unbelievably talented players,” Kessler told reporters. “All the guys are great guys. Regardless of who’s playing, we all cheer for each other, we all support each other. It just goes to show how deep we are. Anybody could have a good night on this team, and it’s a lot of fun to be part of.”

Kessler being the last man up has raised a few eyebrows, considering that Team USA does lack size compared to some of their competition in the frontcourt. Even when Team USA faced Spain in exhibition play, Kessler only received garbage time going up against a much bigger squad.

However, head coach Steve Kerr appears to be going with a smaller lineup that can spread the floor in half-court sets. Former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero has been getting the lion's share of minutes at the five coming off the bench, and up to this point, it’s been paying off for Kerr. 

Unless Kerr is faced with a matchup that needs Kessler’s ability to protect the paint and rebound the basketball, Jazz fans can expect similar rotations moving forward.

The next opportunity that Kessler could get is when Team USA faces off against Montenegro on Friday.

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Patrick Byrnes
PATRICK BYRNES

Patrick Byrnes is the Deputy Editor of The Frozen Rope — SI.com's team website covering the Utah Jazz. 

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