The Utah Jazz are encouraging Walker Kessler to achieve a better equilibrium between finesse and physicality in his gameplay.
In SALT LAKE CITY, the conventional expectations tied to being a 7-footer in the NBA have evolved significantly over time. The days of colossal giants engaging in back-to-the-basket offense and robust defensive maneuvers are long gone in the modern league.
Sunday evening’s game featuring Victor Wembanyama and Walker Kessler underscores this transformation vividly. While the two players differ significantly, with Wembanyama being a unique specimen due to his extraordinary dimensions and skill set, Kessler, by comparison, embodies more of a traditional center archetype. Nevertheless, both players, in the strictest sense, are less defined by their size and more by their overall stature on the court.
Critics often highlight Kessler’s game for its emphasis on rim protection and shot-blocking prowess while lacking in overall physicality. His style doesn’t typically involve overpowering opponents in the low block or engaging in gritty rebounding battles. Instead, his hallmark move—a graceful two-handed reverse dunk—reflects the finesse ingrained in his gameplay.
This prompts the question: Should the Jazz coaching staff push Kessler to incorporate more ruggedness into his natural style? According to Jazz head coach Will Hardy, enhancing Kessler’s physicality ranks as a top priority for the player’s improvement.
While efforts to bolster Kessler’s physicality are underway, progress in this regard might not be immediate. At just 23, Kessler is aware that his physical peak may come later. Nevertheless, he’s diligently hitting the weight room and focusing on nutrition to achieve his full potential.
Despite his current style, Kessler is actively seeking to assert his physical presence on the court through actions like setting screens and boxing out opponents. Though Spurs coach Gregg Popovich acknowledges the challenges faced by players like Kessler in adapting to the league’s physical demands, he believes they face greater difficulties on the offensive end due to differing standards of physicality enforcement.
When asked about the possibility of overdoing strength training with Kessler, Coach Hardy remains optimistic that added muscle mass won’t compromise the player’s agility or athleticism. He believes that Kessler can maintain his mobility while becoming stronger, thereby enhancing his overall game.
The ongoing narrative surrounding Kessler’s development underscores the evolving dynamics of NBA gameplay, where finesse and physicality continue to intersect in intriguing ways.M
