Jazz C Walker Kessler Gets Quality Minutes in Team USA Win Over Greece
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has finally got some relevant minutes on the national stage. On Friday, Kessler scored seven points while hauling in five rebounds in 16 minutes of action in a 108-86 victory over Greece.
It was a pleasant surprise for Jazz fans after seeing the court during garbage time in Team USA’s previous contests. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr has chosen to go with smaller lineups that can space the floor on the offensive end, but against Greece, Kerr saw matchups that required Kessler’s skillset.
“The games are all very physical, so there’s going to be moments for sure where Walker can really help us,” Kerr said.
Kessler earning minutes on the court is nothing new after a successful rookie campaign in Salt Lake City. The 7-foot big man began his rookie campaign on the bench in Salt Lake City, but by season’s end was the everyday starter putting up solid numbers. He averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game — averaging a double-double in the games he started.
It remains to be seen what the spike in playing time means moving forward, but either way, the experience bodes well for the second-year Jazzman as he enters Year 2 of his NBA career.
Utah’s success this upcoming season will be tied to what leap Kessler is able to make as he becomes more acclimated to the daily grind of the NBA. Kessler elaborated on what he’ll be spending time on in the offseason.
“Obviously, with my game just focusing on getting better as a basketball player,” Kessler said during his end-of-season presser. “Right now, specifically a lot of free throws. So I’ll be spending time on that. Just keep mastering what I do, especially in the pick-and-roll scenario as that dunker.”
Jazz fans will get their last chance to watch Kessler on the FIBA World Cup exhibition stage on Sunday when Team USA faces Germany at 10:00 AM MDT.
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