Is Walker Kessler’s Three-Point Experiment Hurting His Game?

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Utah Jazz are experimenting with Walker Kessler, testing his capabilities as a three-point shooter amidst a challenging season focused on improving lottery odds.

Kessler, known as one of the NBA’s elite rim protectors and shot-blockers, has seen the Jazz shift their strategy to incorporate a long-range game with the young center. With the franchise looking to develop its talent while solidifying a losing record, the idea of expanding Kessler’s shooting range emerged.

However, the results have raised concerns. Attempts to develop Kessler’s three-point shooting have negatively impacted his overall performance. His statistics in other areas have shown signs of decline as he steps further away from his traditional role near the basket.

The Jazz have a robust frontcourt, featuring capable shooters like Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski, and John Collins. Markkanen stands out as one of the premier stretch bigs in the league, and Filipowski has demonstrated emerging potential. While Collins may not have the same reputation, he has consistently proven he can contribute from long range.

“Kessler excels at securing offensive rebounds and scoring in the paint, which is where he truly makes his mark,” said Jazz head coach Will Hardy. “We know that having a big man who can create space is valuable, but we also need to evaluate what each player does best.”

With Kessler attempting to adapt to a different role, there is a risk that his newfound focus on three-point shooting could detract from the effectiveness of the team’s established scorers. Opponents could exploit this shift, particularly if Kessler’s long-range shooting fails to develop.

As the Jazz consider their long-term vision, they must weigh the potential benefits of Kessler expanding his skill set against the immediate needs to capitalize on the talents already present in the roster. The ongoing development of Kessler has highlighted some of the season’s success, raising questions about whether this experiment will pay off or hinder the team’s overall progress.