Is Walker Kessler Going To The Nba?

Read about the potential of UNC basketball player, Walker Kessler, and whether or not he is projected to go to the NBA.

Walker Kessler’s College Career

Walker Kessler played college basketball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a 7-foot center who was a key player for the Tar Heels. Kessler was a part of the North Carolina team that won the National Championship in 2020. He averaged 6.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game during his college career.

University of North Carolina

Walker Kessler played college basketball for the University of North Carolina. He is from Atlanta, Georgia. Kessler was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 4 center and the No. 22 player in the 2020 class by ESPN. Kessler committed to North Carolina over offers from Michigan, UCLA, Alabama, and Stanford.

NCAA Statistics

During his one and only college season, Kessler averaged 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.1 blocks in 24 games (seven starts) while shooting 52.5 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from three-point range and 61.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Walker Kessler’s NBA Prospects

High school senior Walker Kessler has not yet decided where he will play college basketball next season. He has, however, garnered significant attention from NBA scouts. Standing 7-feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, Kessler has the size and strength that NBA teams covet. In addition to his physical gifts, Kessler is a skilled shot-blocker and rebounder. Some scouts believe he has the potential to be a star at the next level.

NBA Mock Drafts

Mock drafts are never an exact science, but they’re the best way to get a feel for where prospects might land come draft night. Given that we’re still months away from the 2021 NBA Draft, there’s bound to be plenty of movement in mock drafts between now and then.

With that said, here’s a look at where some of the top prospects, including North Carolina’s Walker Kessler, are projected to go in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – C Evan Mobley, USC
2. Minnesota Timberwolves – PF Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
3. Houston Rockets – SG Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
4. Detroit Pistons – PG Jalen Green, G League Ignite
5. Orlando Magic – PF Ziaire Williams, Stanford
6. San Antonio Spurs – C Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite
7. Sacramento Kings – SF Josh Christopher, Arizona State
8. Toronto Raptors – C Walker Kessler, North Carolina
9. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans Pelicans) – PG Davion Mitchell, Baylor
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Charlotte Hornets) – SF Scottie Barnes, Florida State

NBA Comparisons

Walker Kessler is a 7-foot center who played one season of college basketball at the University of North Carolina. He averaged 6.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game as a freshman.

Kessler has good size for an NBA center, but will need to add strength to compete at the next level. He has good footwork and is a good athlete for his size. Kessler is a good shot blocker and has the potential to be a very good defensive player at the NBA level.

Offensively, Kessler needs to continue to develop his low post game. He has shown flashes of being able to score with his back to the basket, but he will need to become more consistent with this part of his game. Kessler is a very good perimeter shooter for a big man and this is one of his best offensive weapons right now.

Overall, Kessler is a prospect with a lot of upside. He has the potential to be a very good defensive player and shooter at the NBA level. If he can continue to develop his low post game, he could be a very solid player in the league for many years to come.

Walker Kessler’s Future

Walker Kessler has not yet decided if he is going to declare for the NBA draft or return to college for his senior year. His college coach, Roy Williams, believes that Kessler has the potential to be a first-round pick if he declares for the draft. However, some scouts believe that Kessler needs to bulk up and improve his shooting before he is ready for the NBA. Only time will tell what Kessler decides to do.

Potential NBA Teams

There are a few potential NBA teams that could be a good fit for Walker Kessler. The first is the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets are in need of a big man to help anchor their defense, and Kessler could be that player. He would also provide some much-needed scoring and rebounding help for the Hornets.

Another potential team is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are another team in need of help on the defensive end, and Kessler could provide that. He would also give the Cavaliers another big body to help them on the glass.

The last potential team is the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are one of the best teams in the NBA, but they don’t have a lot of size on their roster. Kessler would give them another big body to help them on both ends of the court.

Uncertainty Surrounding the NBA Draft

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the NBA Draft. It is unclear if Walker Kessler will be drafted, and if he is, it is unclear where he will go. There are a lot of variables at play, and it is impossible to say for certain what will happen.

One thing that is clear, however, is that Kessler has a lot of potential. He is a very skilled player, and scouts have been impressed with his performance this season. His size and athleticism give him a lot of upside, and he has shown the ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.

Kessler is expected to declare for the draft after his junior season, and he will likely be a first-round pick if he does so. However, there is no guarantee that he will stay in the draft, as he could opt to return to school for his senior year. It will be an interesting few weeks leading up to the draft, and it will be fascinating to see where Kessler ends up.