Report: Utah Jazz Rookie Sensation’s Season Is Done

The Utah Jazz will have to finish out the season without the services of their standout rookie, and main piece of the massive Rudy Gobert trade haul, 7'1" center Walker Kessler.

Rookie standout Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the season after entering concussion protocols following yesterday's Jazz-Nets game, per @espn_macmahon.

Kessler this season:
9.2 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 2.3 BPG | 72% FG pic.twitter.com/LSFFchXZ3T

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 3, 2023

Kessler was forced to enter concussion protocols after Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets after being inadvertently elbowed by teammate Talen Horton-Tucker. As concussion protocol can often last a week or two , it's likely that he will be able to return for any of the Jazz's remaining games this week. 

The 21-year-old rookie sensation is a lock to be named to the NBA's All-Rookie Team after averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while shooting 72% from the floor in his debut season.

He was the 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but was re-routed by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Jazz as part of the blockbuster return Utah received for Gobert, the former Defensive Player of the Year.

Gobert has had his troubles fitting in in Minnesota this season, and his blocked shot numbers have plummeted, to the point where the rookie Kessler is averaging almost twice as many.

Gobert turns 31 next season, and will be earning $41M. Kessler will be 22 and will make $2.8M.

Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports