Walker Kessler C-Utah Jazz (via Minnesota Timberwolves through Memphis): 2022 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 22nd overall
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Former Auburn center Walker Kessler consistently deterred shots at the basket for the Tigers.
Walker Kessler, the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, blocked nearly five shots per game for the Tigers in 2021-22. A serviceable contributor while at UNC, the former five-star recruit reached new heights in his lone year at Auburn.
Blessed with a 9-foot-4-inch standing reach, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and third-team All-American also tallied 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this past season.
Kessler, the 2020 Georgia Boys Gatorade Player of the Year, should compete for immediate playing time in the Timberwolves rotation.
UPDATE: In an unrelated move, Kessler was traded to the Utah Jazz along with four first round picks between 2023 and 2029, Patrick Beverly, Leandro Bolmaro, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley on July 1, 2022.
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