EDMONTON, Alta. — Walker Kessler’s first field goal on Sunday night came on an assist from Jordan Clarkson. It came easily and was a classic case of a big man rolling to the basket and being taller than the defenders in front of him. He made the bucket and he drew the foul.
As he headed for the free throw line, teammate and veteran Malik Beasley shouted from the bench.
“Welcome to the big man in the NBA, welcome to the NBA.”
However, it would be later in the game that Kessler would experience his true “welcome to the NBA” moments.
For the most part, the 21-year-old rookie made a solid first impression in the Jazz’ first preseason game. He was quick on the floor, sprinting past the baseline from guards to baseline. He showed his finesse around the basket, collecting 11 points and four rebounds. And he’s shown glimpses of what makes him a defensive threat.
But it was in the defensive moments that Kessler realized that it wasn’t like playing college and that the competition was not only more skilled, but bigger and stronger than what it expected. he was used to it.
“Defensively, I think I definitely have to make some adjustments,” he said. “A lot of guys are more athletic and bigger, so I’m going to have to be more upright. But that will come with time, so I’m not super worried about that.
Kessler was part of the 10-man rotation the Jazz played for the majority of their game against the Toronto Raptors and it looks like he’ll have plenty of opportunities to overcome some of those rookie hurdles.
On several occasions throughout the game, head coach Will Hardy took Kessler to the side or grabbed him as he walked off the pitch and talked about some of the things he saw on the pitch. . There seems to be not only encouragement, but also an investment in Kessler’s success.
“It was a classic NBA first game,” Hardy said. “He had some really, really bright points and I think he was welcome in the NBA moments. But I was really happy with Walker in camp and tonight. A lot of things to take away from this game. He’ll go with the assistant coaches and watch the movie and we’ll watch the movie as a team. But there are definitely positives to build on.
The Jazz travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, then play two more preseason games at home on Oct. 11 against the San Antonio Spurs and Oct. 14 against the Dallas Mavericks.
The hope is that these contests give Kessler a chance to shake off some of the rookie emotions he had before Sunday afternoon and start to figure out some of the little things that will make him more ready for the regular season.
“I was very nervous tonight and I didn’t really have my legs under me,” said Kessler. “But it was great fun and I’m looking forward to the next one.”