"There was unfortunate breaking news on Wednesday, as the Jazz announced starting C Walker Kessler needs surgery for a torn labrum and his season is over after five games. Kessler is a big-time rebounder and shot blocker, and his absence really hurts in roto/categories formats, where it is so hard to find someone that does each of those things. Kessler was scoring 14.4 PPG (easily a career high),"
"Nurkic is just about the only center left on the team, and while we should note this team is OK with tanking again and may not care if they have a reasonable center, this is an experienced 7-footer who has averaged double-digit rebounds in four prior seasons, including the recent 2023-24 campaign with the Suns. What happened last season? His production cratered as he earned fewer minutes in a reserve role, one he was unaccustomed to serving."
Walker Kessler requires surgery for a torn labrum and his season is over, removing a primary source of rebounds and blocks for the Jazz. Kessler averaged 14.4 PPG, contributed steals, and hit 70% from the free-throw line in early play. Jusuf Nurkic becomes the primary center and has averaged double-digit rebounds in four prior seasons, including 2023-24. Nurkic's production fell last season after a reduced reserve role, but at age 31 he remains a large, experienced rebounder who should deliver rebounds while healthy. Oscar Tshiebwe's dominant college and G League rebounding raises curiosity despite going undrafted due to size concerns.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]