Imagine a seven-footer suddenly transforming into a point guard, dishing out passes like a seasoned veteran. That's precisely what Walker Kessler did, and it could revolutionize the Utah Jazz offense! But is this just a flash in the pan, or a sign of things to come?
In a thrilling preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kessler, returning from a shoulder injury, orchestrated a performance that had fans buzzing. The Jazz secured a 132-129 victory, but the score was almost secondary to Kessler's surprising playmaking abilities. Yes, the highlight reel included a three-pointer, a block, and a thunderous dunk – a classic Kessler sequence. But that wasn't the most impressive thing.
Kessler racked up 14 points, 10 rebounds, and a whopping 8 assists! Eight! That's a career-high, and it suggests a whole new dimension to his game, and by extension, the Jazz's offensive arsenal.
"We are using him as a facilitator in a bunch of moments when we're playing off the ball," Jazz coach Will Hardy explained. "I think he made a couple of really good reads with the ball tonight." It seems the coaching staff has been working on integrating Kessler into the playmaking.
Sure, some of those assists came from standard dribble handoffs, where guards like Keyonte George used Kessler's imposing frame as a screen to create space for quick shots. But here's where it gets interesting... Kessler also showcased some seriously advanced passing skills. He threw a pinpoint backdoor pass for an easy layup and lofted a perfectly timed pass over the defense to Lauri Markkanen, who cut to the basket. These weren't just lucky plays; they demonstrated a clear understanding of spacing and timing.
The Jazz offense has experimented with Jusuf Nurkic as a facilitator, and it appears Kessler has been taking notes. "I was told that we're gonna play a lot more flash game, so continuing to make those plays in my headspace," Kessler revealed. "Just don't be afraid to throw those passes. So tonight, it worked out. It was fun." He emphasized that he was encouraged to be more aggressive with his passing, and the results spoke for themselves.
Prior to this game, Kessler's NBA high for assists was six. He even believes the eight assists he handed out on Thursday are the most he's ever had at any level of basketball! That's a significant leap, and it highlights his dedication to improving his game.
"He just knows the system better and kind of takes his time," Markkanen noted. "A lot of them were somebody curling the screen and then hitting him, so I think the reads are coming clear for him." Markkanen's observation points to a deeper understanding of the Jazz's offensive schemes, allowing Kessler to anticipate plays and make better decisions.
And this is the part most people miss... Kessler's newfound passing ability could unlock even more potential in the Jazz offense. By drawing defenders with his size and strength, he can create opportunities for his teammates to score. It also complements his existing strengths, like rim-running and setting screens. He'll still be shooting the occasional three-pointer, too.
"Walker cutting and putting pressure on the rim, not only to finish, but to draw the weak side defense to offensive rebound, is something that our team needs," Hardy said. "But I'm not going to bat an eye at some of those perimeter shots that are taken, as long as it's within the flow of what we're doing and the mixture is still or the dosage is still correct." Hardy seems comfortable with Kessler expanding his offensive game, as long as he doesn't stray too far from his core strengths.
In his 26 minutes of play (he sat out the fourth quarter), Kessler was a constant threat. His presence opened up the court for Utah's guards, particularly Keyonte George, who thrived in a two-man game with Kessler. George scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, frequently using Kessler's screens to get open shots.
"I think we're getting to a point now where we're actually trying to manipulate defenses," George said. "Walk has trust in me, and I'm trusting Walk, so over time, it's just getting better and better every day." The chemistry between George and Kessler is clearly developing, and it could become a key component of the Jazz offense.
Hardy emphasized the importance of building chemistry between players, particularly between George and Kessler. "Everybody wants those connections to be built quickly; but at this point, they've played a lot of minutes together, and so I think they understand each other a little bit better," Hardy explained. "Walker is doing a good job of helping to create the advantage, and then putting pressure on the rim is going to give everybody else good opportunities."
Of course, Kessler's own scoring opportunities will also benefit from his improved passing. But according to Markkanen, there's one aspect of Kessler's game that deserves special recognition: "I'm most happy for his 3-pointer," he said. Which is more valuable to the Jazz: Kessler's newly developed passing game or his occasional three-point shot? It's a question that sparks debate among fans. Some believe his playmaking adds a crucial dimension to the offense, while others argue his shooting stretches the floor and creates more space for his teammates.
So, what do you think? Is Walker Kessler's evolution into a facilitator a game-changer for the Utah Jazz? Or is it just a preseason fluke? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Could this be the start of a new era for the Jazz offense, or will Kessler's focus remain on rebounding and defense? Let's hear your predictions!
