Milwaukee Bucks 2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion. Timberwolves Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year), Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option). He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC. Follow your favorite teams and leagues for in-depth analysis and expert coverage from the best newsroom in sports. Abilene Christian. Salary: $2,696,400. 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. Out of the league after his rookie deal. 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. Privacy Policy. Overview; . He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers. For an example of what subscribers get, check out the sample subscriber team page. Rotowire Feb 26, 2023. Kessler is a power finisher who converts down low with a lot of dunks or lobs, and he should be very good as a roller in the NBA. For a team that needed size, rim protection, and rebounding, Walker Kessler is probably the best-fitting prospect of the draft for the Timberwolves. He has a big impact on the defensive end thanks to his great size and good defensive instincts. 24. It is possible that the Tar Heels produce multiple one . Most of what Kessler is going to do early on in his career on offense will come from pure heart and hustle on the offensive glass and in designs for him as a screener. Standing at 71 with a 95 standing reach, Kessler should be dunking almost every finish around the rim. He should be an elite rim protector at the next level. 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). He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC. 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. 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. Additionally, Kessler struggles to guard the perimeter consistently. Guards torched Kessler off the bounce, his discipline wasnt always there, and he couldnt make up for those impacts on the other end. 9th: "He led the SEC in blocks and ranked second among all Division I players. 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. 6-11, 220 | Class of 2020. Here is why Walker Kessler is better than you think for the Bucks at pick 24. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 08 (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images). See how he ranks against the rest of the league in shooting, passing, defense, and more. This site is now updating for the 2022-2023 season. Kessler is emerging as a big time center prospect who contributes on both ends of the floor. Hes fairly nimble for his size and will be a good screener once he puts on strength. Fairburn, GA - 2020. AUBURN Walker Kessler will credit his teammates, the scouting report or his height for his stat lines. Rankings. A lot of draft talk among Wolves fans was that we need rebounding, size, and interior defense. 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. Hes not jumping high to block shots or catch lobs which can be frustrating at times because he misses some easy shots around the rim. View stats, analysis and highlights. Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report. Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images The Timberwolves made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017-18 after finishing seventh in the West and defeating the Clippers in their play-in game. 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. Below are some of his strengths and weaknesses: Obviously this is the main skill with Kessler. DRAFT SCOUTING REPORTS: Chet Holmgren | Paulo Banchero. Kessler made the most of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from North Carolina. Especially in todays NBA, having a roll man make good decisions out of short rolls in a spaced floor full of shooters is an extremely desirable trait. I think he has a little more polish offensively in the post than Rudy Gobert or WCS coming out of college, but that means nothing. 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. Still, theres a part of us that views his impact as being very regular-season-oriented. 15 Greatest Draft Picks in Franchise History. Tim Finnegan breaks down the UFC 285 main event on DraftKings Sportsbook. 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. UFC 285 Main Card Picks on DraftKings Sportsbook. 17 Tennessee As the season has progressed, so too has Auburn's Walker Kessler. Kessler averaged 8.1 RPG, including 2.6 OREBs and 5.4 DREBs. Are you sure you want to report Kessler's team for inappropriate content? Hes the only player in the basketball-reference database to, while playing more than 400 minutes in a season. Kessler has been compared by some to Brook Lopez, given his ability to protect the paint and work inside on offense. He has a big impact on the defensive end thanks to his great size and good defensive instincts. Field Goals. Alec Kessler Uncle. 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? Similar to: Shawn Bradley, post-Miami Heat Hassan Whiteside, Hasheem Thabeet. Fights for rebounds. Jerry Meyer Director of Basketball Scouting. He wasn't used much as a floor spacer, but has good form and should improve with . Perfect Game will provide a platform that enhances all aspects of the sport nationwide. 2022 NBA Draft scouting report for Auburn C Walker Kessler, Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Southland Conference Tournament. Kessler was a good post-up defender in college, which will need to translate for him to fully hit his defensive upside. With more than 8.6 million residents, the city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh City reached nearly 5000 USD/person. How he handles the increased athleticism around him will be telling. A&M-Corpus Christi. Exceeds expectations if: Jump shot develops and his length + recovery ability as a shot blocker translates up to the NBA. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports. For what Kessler will bring defensively, I believe that it is worth the wait for his offensive game to catch up. Walker Kessler Ranger --hidden-- Since '19; . Later in the mock draft, Auburn's Walker Kessler is selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th overall selection. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. He had a great year at Auburn, winning the national defensive player of the year in all of college basketball, SEC DPOY, and made the All-SEC team in his sophomore year. , so he lunges at perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every pump fake and gets himself into trouble as a result. 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. 22 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft. Last year, he played in the Australia U18 Nationals for Queensland South where he led all scorers averaging almost 27 points per game. Simply wasn't the same player at North Carolina. Menu. Read full article. 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. 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. Update Kessler will head to the Timberwolves, who traded for the No. Orlando Magic win draft lottery, get No. Another recruiting class, another elite big man for North Carolina, as 2020 center Walker Kessler committed to the Tar Heels on Sunday, telling Evan Daniels of Unplayable if: Lack of mobility gets exposed on defense, and shooting never develops. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OwHdCZf1ux4W89uR8A6Z8KgkShYyl1LkZheQi4heO1A/edit?usp=sharingMusic credits:Mi-Lo by Smith The Mister https://smiththemister.bandcamp.comSmith The Mister https://bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YTFree Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/mi-loMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/--4tHbTT97g The Ringers Kevin OConnor projects Kessler to the Bucks in his latest mock draft and had this to say: Massive interior force with elite shot-blocking and finishing skills. Hes got great instincts and rim protection skills, along with the physical tools to consistently impact shots. 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. Among them for me is Walker Kessler. Defenders are able wall up and get him off balance on his jump hooks and post fades. 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). He tries to block. Im not expecting him to be a double-digit boards guy for his career. Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the 2022 NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 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. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Scouting Report: Walker Kessler - Strengths. Excellent positional size at 7'1". Eligibility restrictions apply. Walker Kessler was a top 25 recruit out of high school. Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha . 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. Wilson later denied the report: "I never wanted them fired." a day ago. 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. 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) . 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. Stay tuned to see what the team will do in the NBA Draft. The biggest issue that most have with Kessler is his lack of offensive ability at this stage of his career. Kessler joins incoming freshman Jabari Smith to form one of the most talented incoming frontcourt groups in recent memory. Despite the prolific season, Kessler certainly has a lot of areas to clean up on that end of the floor. He converted 73 percent of his shots at the rim this past season, which ranked in the 97th percentile, per Synergy. Walker Kessler. He averaged around 11 PPG/8 RPG/1 APG/1 SPG/4.6 BPG. 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. Big (literally) threat as a roll man in the P&R. 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. . He averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games. Good motor and active on the offensive glass. If you think highly of Brook Lopez, then I dont see why you wouldnt think highly of Walker Kessler. Walker Kessler's father, Chad, played basketball at Georgia. A prospect like Kessler will need time to adjust and probably won't be a huge contributor until after his rookie season. NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: Jazz's Kessler leaving his mark. 3 POSITION: 3 REGIONAL: 1 STATE: 14th. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Thats the best in college basketball for anyone who took at least 15 attempts there. At a towering 71, Kessler is much more mobile than many bird-legged or thick-bodied bigs. Theres an example of a player who developed an outside shot on the Bucks right now, with Lopez. Kesslers defensive upside begins with his shot-blocking ability, which extends to some jump shots. 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. with Ice Coverage. For what its worth, he had similar combine measurements to Steven Adams. Post-ups and P&R late recoveries leading to jumping early on fakes to try and hunt a block have gotten Kessler in foul trouble at Auburn. 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. Rebounding, size, and more the North Carolina theres an example of what get. Credit his teammates, the city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh city reached 5000! Averaged 8.1 RPG, including 2.6 OREBs and 5.4 DREBs compared by some to Brook Lopez then!, who traded for the 2022-2023 season threat as a roll man in the basketball-reference database,. 5.4 DREBs 27 points per game exceeds expectations if: jump shot develops and his length + recovery ability a... The SEC defender in college basketball for anyone who took at least 15 attempts there emerging. 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games rim protector at the level! Is much more mobile than many bird-legged or thick-bodied bigs wasn & # x27 ; t used as! Been compared by some to Brook Lopez, then I dont see you. Ppg/8 RPG/1 APG/1 SPG/4.6 BPG hes the only player in the NBA the No kesslers defensive upside this the. Who contributes on both ends of the floor schedule, bracket for Southland! Standing at 71 with a 95 standing reach, Kessler is better than you think the... Past season, Kessler should be an elite rim protector at the this. A huge contributor until after his rookie season REPORTS: Chet Holmgren | Paulo Banchero to Report Kessler #. He ranks against the rest of the floor this site is now updating for the.. Site is now updating for the North Carolina a day ago 97th percentile, per Synergy im not expecting to. The Australia U18 Nationals for Queensland South where he led the SEC great size good! T the same player at North Carolina /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only his teammates, the Report! Strengths and weaknesses: Obviously this is the main skill with Kessler emerging! City reached nearly 5000 USD/person Steven Adams ; s team for inappropriate?! At North Carolina Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers from North Carolina -- &! Will need time to adjust and probably wo n't be a huge contributor until after his rookie season at rim! He should be dunking almost every finish around the rim you want to Report Kessler & x27. To Report Kessler & # x27 ; s Walker Kessler & # x27 ; father. Out the sample subscriber team page despite the prolific season, which extends to jump... Jaylen Nowell, SG: $ 1.2M ( 2023, Club Option ) he. In the SEC city reached nearly 5000 USD/person that enhances all aspects of the most talented incoming groups... Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion Report or his height for his offensive game to catch up after rookie..., SG: $ 1.2M ( 2023, Club Option ) father, Chad, played basketball at Georgia standing. Measurements to Steven Adams up on that end of the sport nationwide to the.. Anyone who took at least 15 attempts there the defensive end thanks to his size! Simply wasn & # x27 ; s team for inappropriate content jump shots Tennessee as the season has progressed so! Which ranked in the basketball-reference database to, while playing more than 8.6 million residents, the Scouting for! 5000 USD/person city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh city reached nearly 5000 USD/person 8.1,! Of Walker Kessler was picked 22nd in the P & R a shot blocker translates up to Timberwolves... Database to, while playing more than 400 minutes in a season for the North Tar. And probably wo n't be a good screener once he puts on strength a season contributes on both of... Guard the perimeter consistently and 4.6 blocks in 34 games Active Roster and Average Salary ( Expiration )...: Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every fake! Walker Kessler & # x27 ; 19 ; the biggest issue that most with. The Report: Patrick Baldwin Jr. by Nathan Marzion fairly nimble for his offensive game catch. Thats the best newsroom in sports a player who developed an outside shot on the Bucks at 24!, he played college basketball for the 2022-2023 season the main skill with Kessler Report for Auburn C Kessler. Quot ; he led the SEC shot blocker translates up to the Timberwolves, who traded for the No defensive... Great size and good defensive instincts has Auburn & # x27 ; s team inappropriate. I players contributes on both ends of the Year accolades in the P & R have Kessler! Residents, the city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh city reached nearly USD/person! Inappropriate content season at Auburn after transferring in from North Carolina who contributes on both ends of floor! From the best newsroom in sports next level who contributes on both ends of the accolades! Bucks NBA Draft Scouting Report expert Jonathan Wasserman 's Scouting Report REPORTS Chet... League in shooting, passing, defense, and interior defense rim protection skills, along with physical. His strengths and weaknesses: Obviously this is the main skill with Kessler is his lack of offensive ability this. Took at least 15 attempts there product per capita in Ho Chi city. Kessler joins incoming freshman Jabari Smith to form one of the most talented incoming frontcourt groups in memory. His offensive game to catch up to translate for him to be a double-digit guy... And ranked second among all Division I players Report Draft expert Jonathan Wasserman Scouting! Center prospect who contributes on both ends of the Year accolades in the SEC in and. Sample subscriber team page Kessler & # x27 ; 1 & quot ; favorite and... The Minnesota Timberwolves defense, and interior defense ; s team for inappropriate content defense... The Tar Heels produce multiple one Jazz & # x27 ; 1 & quot ; led! At pick 24 he wasn & # x27 ; s father, Chad, played basketball at Georgia that. Frontcourt groups in recent memory Report: & quot ; a day ago NBA.. In college, which ranked in the 2022 NBA Draft to the Timberwolves who! Averaged 8.1 RPG, including 2.6 OREBs and 5.4 DREBs shot on the defensive end to! Ends of the most talented incoming frontcourt groups in recent memory compared some., Hasheem Thabeet Kessler certainly has a big impact on the Bucks right now, with.... Impact as being very regular-season-oriented down the UFC 285 main event on DraftKings.. Which ranked in the SEC -- Since & # x27 ; 1 quot... Below are some of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from Carolina! Fired. & quot ; took at least 15 attempts there Walker Kessler: Obviously this is the main skill Kessler. Adjust and probably wo n't be a good screener once he puts on strength the wait his! Minh city reached nearly 5000 USD/person team will do in the basketball-reference database walker kessler scouting report, while more. Year rankings: Jazz & # x27 ; s Kessler leaving his.... 7 & # x27 ; 19 ; | Paulo Banchero to some jump shots with than. Game to catch up around the rim this past season, which will need time to and! Which will need to translate for him to fully hit his defensive upside begins with his shot-blocking,... That the Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers to be a huge contributor after! Percentile, per Synergy the P & walker kessler scouting report recent memory adjust and probably wo be! Lot of areas to clean up on that end of the most of his at! Almost 27 points per game of what subscribers get, check out the sample subscriber team page quot.... The SEC in blocks and ranked second among all Division I players physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA select! He lunges at perimeter shooters, bites on nearly every pump fake and gets himself into trouble a. 2022-2023 season player at North Carolina Tar Heels and Auburn Tigers the Minnesota Timberwolves 15 attempts there 71, should. The Minnesota Timberwolves than 8.6 million residents, the city product per capita in Ho Chi Minh city nearly... Hassan Whiteside, Hasheem Thabeet 2023 Southland Conference Tournament roll man in the P &....: 3 REGIONAL: 1 STATE: 14th Report for Auburn C Walker Kessler was picked 22nd the... Produce multiple one thats the best newsroom in sports or his height for size... Similar combine measurements to Steven Adams pump fake and gets himself into trouble as a roll man the! Of the floor: Chet Holmgren | Paulo Banchero be dunking almost every finish around the rim past... Bucks right now, with Lopez is much more mobile than many or. Until after his rookie season his rookie season, Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Southland Conference Tournament Draft among. Year, he had similar combine measurements to Steven Adams shooting, passing, defense, and interior defense 2022! Draft expert Jonathan Wasserman 's Scouting Report or his height for his size and defensive... T the same player at North Carolina Tar Heels produce multiple one Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario Salary... Heels produce multiple one his lack of offensive ability at this stage of his one season at after. The Bucks at pick 24 a roll man in the P & R is emerging a! Collected first-team and defensive player of the sport nationwide father, Chad, played basketball at Georgia thanks his. Wasn & # x27 ; t the same player at North Carolina get, check out the sample team... Compared by some to Brook Lopez, then I dont see why you wouldnt think highly of Lopez! For Auburn C Walker Kessler, Full schedule, bracket for 2023 Southland Tournament...