Walker Kessler Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Timberwolves Roster
The Minnesota Timberwolves addressed their interior defense by selecting Auburn center Walker Kessler with the No. 22 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Walker Kessler
Position: C
Height: 7'0"
Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez
Scouting Report: Walker just put together arguably the most productive shot-blocking season on record in terms of production per minute. He's a limited athlete and scorer, but signs of shooting confidence suggest he's capable of eventually adding a three-ball to complement his rim protection.
Walker Kessler, C: Rookie scale contract
Karl-Anthony Towns, C: $31.7M (2024)
D'Angelo Russell, PG: $29.3M (2023)
Malik Beasley, SG: $15M (2024)
Patrick Beverley, PG: $13M (2023)
Anthony Edwards, SG: $11.1M (2024)
Jarred Vanderbilt, PF: $4.4M (2024)
Leandro Bolmaro, SG: $3M (2025)
Jaden McDaniels, PF: $2.5M (2024)
Jordan McLaughlin, PG: $2.2M (2024)
Naz Reid, C: $1.5M (2023, Club Option)
Jaylen Nowell, SG: $1.2M (2023, Club Option)
Taurean Prince, PF: UFA
Jake Layman, SF: UFA
Josh Okogie, SF: RFA
Greg Monroe, C: UFA
Nathan Knight, PF: RFA
McKinley Wright IV, PG: RFA
Kessler made the most of his one season at Auburn after transferring in from North Carolina. He averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 blocks in 34 games.
With the 7'0" big man hovering around the rim, the Tigers held opponents to 38.6 percent shooting, seventh-best in Division I.
Kessler was honored as a third-team All-American and the Naismith Defensive Payer of the Year. He also collected first-team and Defensive Player of the Year accolades in the SEC.
While Kessler doesn't fit the profile of the floor-stretching 5 coveted by NBA teams, rim protection will always have a place in the Association. The 20-year-old might have a long career ahead.
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