Walker Kessler

Kessler is an American center who has established himself as one of the premier rim protectors in the NBA since being selected in the first round of the 2022 draft. A third-team All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Auburn, he has anchored Utah's defense with elite shot-blocking timing.

Born Walker Ross Kessler on July 26, 2001, he attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. As a senior, he averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks and led the team to its first Class 4A state title. He was named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Player of the Year, Mr. Georgia Basketball, and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. He was a McDonald's All-American and competed for Game Elite on the AAU circuit.

Kessler was a consensus five-star recruit and committed to North Carolina over Duke, Michigan, Virginia, and Vanderbilt. As a freshman, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds. On March 10, 2021, he posted 16 points, 12 rebounds, and eight blocks against Notre Dame in the ACC tournament, setting a North Carolina freshman record and ACC Tournament record for blocks in a game.

Kessler transferred to Auburn for his sophomore season. On December 29, 2021, he recorded a triple-double of 16 points, 11 blocks, and 10 rebounds against LSU. He set the Auburn single-season block record, led the nation in blocks, and recorded more blocks than all but 13 teams. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-SEC, and a third-team All-American. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Kessler 22nd overall and traded him to Minnesota, who then traded him to the Utah Jazz in the Rudy Gobert deal. He signed his rookie-scale contract on July 9, 2022. On January 16, 2023, he recorded a double-double with a career-high 20 points and 21 rebounds against Minnesota. On March 25, 2023, he scored a career-high 31 points against Sacramento. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.

Kessler functions as an elite rim protector with shot-blocking timing, rebounding presence, and interior finishing. His Auburn season, where he led the nation in blocks, showcased a defensive force. In the NBA, his value centers on anchoring the defense, protecting the paint, and providing vertical spacing on offense through lobs and putbacks.