Jazz Contemplate the Physical Evolution of Walker Kessler in the Modern NBA..
In the majority of the NBA’s history, being a 7-footer carried certain expectations regarding a player’s style of play. However, the contemporary league has evolved significantly, with giants no longer automatically adhering to back-to-the-basket offense and bumper car-style defense.
The recent game featuring Victor Wembanyama and Walker Kessler highlighted this shift. While the two players differ in many aspects, both challenge the traditional “big men” categorization due to their unique dimensions and skill sets.
Wembanyama stands out with a singular categorization based on his distinctive dimensions and skills. On the other hand, Kessler, closer to the traditional center archetype, shares some similarities with Wemby in challenging the conventional notion of “big men” and leaning more towards being “tall men.”
Critics often point out that Kessler, despite possessing rim-protecting and shot-blocking skills characteristic of a center, lacks overall physicality in his game. Unlike the classic bruiser, Kessler doesn’t rely on brute strength to dislodge opponents or engage in physical rebounding battles. His signature move, a graceful two-handed reverse dunk, reflects the finesse in his playing style.
The question arises: Should the Jazz coaching staff aim to incorporate rougher edges into Kessler’s natural finesse? Jazz head coach Will Hardy expresses a desire for Kessler to become a more physical player, listing it as the top priority in his improvement as a player. The dilemma revolves around finding the right balance in Kessler’s evolving style for success in the modern NBA.
