In a Bleacher Report article published by Zach Buckley, Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz was highlighted as a dream target for the LA Clippers. Though securing Kessler on the free agent market may be tough, the logic in paying him through a long-term contract makes perfect sense, as there is nobody else on the market who can complement Darius Garland better.
Kessler runs the pick-and-roll to a T, just how the Clippers thrived with Ivica Zubac. And, given that he’s still very young, at 24 years old, his offensive skillset is expanding, particularly from beyond the arc, which would make his fit seamless in the starting lineup.
It also helps that Kessler is one of the best shot blockers and offensive rebounders in the world.
This is everything Garland needs at the five-man to take the Clippers’ next era into championship-contention status.
The Clippers may be in a position to snag Walker Kessler in the summer
The Utah Jazz made a splash for Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline, and with Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, their goal is to become a playoff threat in the Western Conference. However, the question Utah’s front office must face is whether or not Walker Kessler can hold up in the starting lineup.
They need a competent center to anchor the floor, and because Kessler has an injury history at such a young age, the Jazz may opt to show no resistance in the restricted free agent market, especially if he’s paid out of their budget by another contender.
This is exactly how the Clippers need everything to unfold, and Lawrence Frank, who has worked a ton of magic for the LA Clippers’ favor in the past, must do it again for a potential center of the future.
As far as Kessler’s production, growth is inevitable. He has already done amazing things, like finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting, and before being shut down for the season, the youngster was on pace to cement his place as one of the best up-and-coming big men in the NBA.
He really averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks, shooting 70.3% from the field and 75.0% from a distance in five games.
While this is a small sample size, it still shows that Kessler was on the rise.
That said, because he would elevate the Clippers to new heights, Kessler is the dream acquisition that could come true; Frank just has to play his cards right and ultimately be in the right place at the right time.