Here’s a bold statement: the future of Walker Kessler’s NBA career might just hinge on his ability to stretch the floor. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not about him becoming a sharpshooter from deep; it’s about strategically incorporating the three-point shot into his game to keep defenses guessing. At the end of the 2024-25 season, the Utah Jazz coaching staff made a surprising push for Kessler to attempt at least six three-pointers per game. But why? As Sarah Todd of the Deseret News explains, it wasn’t about sinking those shots—it was about finding the right moments to take them and building confidence in those attempts. As Jazz head coach Will Hardy put it, ‘We emphasized it a lot at the end of last year because it was something we hadn’t done much of. We wanted to force it into his offensive mix, but ultimately, it’s about balance.’
Kessler has already proven himself as a dominant force near the rim—agile, strong, and a reliable finisher. Pair that with his elite shot-blocking and rebounding skills, and you’ve got a player the Jazz can’t afford to reinvent. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Kessler’s rim-running abilities are undeniable, the modern NBA demands more. The rise of the ‘stretch-5’—a big man who can space the floor—has become a game-changer, especially in the playoffs. Hardy himself acknowledged this back in December, saying, ‘Offensively, it’s nice when changing spacing doesn’t require a sub. And defensively, if you can pull an opposing big away from the basket without substituting, that’s a luxury.’
For Kessler, the stakes are clear. ‘I think it’s vastly important,’ he said. ‘Looking around the league, to stay in this league and be successful, you have to grow your game every year.’ Expanding his skillset to include a credible three-point threat, even at a low volume, could not only elevate his on-court impact but also boost his value come contract time. But is this the right move? Some argue that tampering with Kessler’s strengths could dilute his effectiveness. After all, why fix what isn’t broken? Yet, as Hardy points out, it’s not about replacing his rim pressure but adding another layer to his game. ‘As long as it’s within the flow of what we’re doing and the dosage is correct,’ he said, ‘I’m not going to bat an eye at those perimeter shots.’
Kessler’s preseason debut hinted at what’s to come—he knocked down his only three-point attempt. While he won’t be launching triples all game, he’ll be hunting for his spots. The question remains: Can Kessler successfully evolve into a modern big man without losing what makes him special? And more importantly, should he? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from settled.
