With the 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves has selected Walker Kessler, a 20-year-old center standing 7-foot-1 who shined with the Auburn Tigers last season.
Kessler started his collegiate career in North Carolina before transferring to Auburn. He became a starter and one of the best defenders in the country, winning the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award and becoming one of the most prolific shot-blockers in all of college hoops. After being picked in the NBA Draft, he will look to establish himself at the professional level.
In 34 games this season, Kessler averaged 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and an absurd 4.6 blocks per game in 25.6 minutes. He shot 60.8 percent from the field. His ability to contest shots makes him one of the most valuable defenders in this year's draft. The big man led the nation in total blocks and block percentage. He used his size and long arms to deter shots constantly. On offense, he displayed good touch around the hoop and solid composure in the post.
Eye-opening performance from Auburn big man Walker Kessler this weekend against Texas A&M
Finished with 12 PTS, 11 REB & 12 BLK
Kessler last 9 Games:
🏀 15.6 PTS, 10.6 REB, 5.8 BLK, 1.3 STL 👀#NBADraft— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) February 14, 2022
The drawback to Kessler is the same as many other players of his size: mobility. He can certainly be a solid defender around the rim but his ability to switch onto the perimeter and guard multiple positions remains an unanswered question. He also didn't showcase much shooting potential or consistent playmaking, which means his offensive role will likely only be a screener/roller.
Even though Kessler is built for one specific role at the next level, he could do very well in it. He is the latest player from Bruce Pearl's Auburn program to be selected in the NBA Draft. He joins Jabari Smith Jr., who was drafted earlier tonight, as well as Sharife Cooper and JT Thor (and Davion Mitchell, who translated to Baylor after his time with Auburn) in last year's draft, Isaac Okoro in 2020 and Chuma Okeke in 2019.
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