What is Walker Kessler's upside?
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Saint Cy of JFC
Well-Known Member
Kessler has a rare combo of being elite at blocking shots and looking like he can be easily dunked on, so he will continue to get a lot of blocks.
SoberasHotRod
Well-Known Member
It was interesting watching Kessler last night on the defensive end. He is super disciplined in boxing out for rebounds and not over defending jump shooters. As soon as a shot would leave the offensive player's hands he immediately would get in position for a rebound. Right now I think his best attributes are his understanding and feel for the game. It's funny that he looks like Hardy, since they seem to have a lot of the same qualities.
As far as upside, I'm really not sure. Since he isn't overly athletic or seems to have a lot of potential as a shooter, he probably never makes an all star team or anything like that.
As far as upside, I'm really not sure. Since he isn't overly athletic or seems to have a lot of potential as a shooter, he probably never makes an all star team or anything like that.
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
Kessler is so far from having a usable NBA jump shot it's not funny. Let's just push the brakes on him taking any outside shots this season. His first goal should be to reach that elusive 60% from the FT line.
As a shot blocker though, his timing is just fantastic for a young big, one of the best I've ever seen. He's extremely patient (which is super rare for a rookie) and knows how to commit to the block at the last possible moment.
Kessler has a lot to learn, but I like having him out there. He's one of those dudes who just seems to make good things happen.
As a shot blocker though, his timing is just fantastic for a young big, one of the best I've ever seen. He's extremely patient (which is super rare for a rookie) and knows how to commit to the block at the last possible moment.
Kessler has a lot to learn, but I like having him out there. He's one of those dudes who just seems to make good things happen.
Ironically, I think his lack of vertical helps him as a shot blocker. He's long enough to block shots while on the ground. It's similar to Brook Lopez. No one can fake him out because he hardly leaves the ground to begin with. What he's lacking is the brute strength that Lopez has, but he's very young and will get stronger with time.
That's why I thought Robin Lopez is a good comp. The lesser of the Lopez brothers.
Remember that Gobert was playing in the D-league his rookie season. I think Kessler could become 80-90 percent of Gobert is defensively, and better on offense.
So we traded Gobert at 40,000,000+ /yr for a more well-rounded replacement + several rotation pieces + 4 first rounders (perhaps a lottery pick this year)... and a swap.
The Minnesota T-Wolves organization as a whole will need PTSD trauma therapy for the next decade.
So we traded Gobert at 40,000,000+ /yr for a more well-rounded replacement + several rotation pieces + 4 first rounders (perhaps a lottery pick this year)... and a swap.
The Minnesota T-Wolves organization as a whole will need PTSD trauma therapy for the next decade.
SoUjazzfan
Well-Known Member
I'm impressed with the fact he isn't fouling. With how quickly KO and Vando can get in foul trouble having Kessler stay on the floor really helps.
Release the Kraken
Well-Known Member
Agreed, people seem to really be underestimating his athletic abilities. It’s not all about hops people! Better hands than Rudy, that’s safe to say.
