Minnesota Sports Forum

Wolves pick the big shot blocking center at #22

6.4 blocks per 36 minutes last season. He can definitely block shots.

Q-was-here wrote:6.4 blocks per 36 minutes last season. He can definitely block shots.

Wolves can play more drop coverage now, should he able to rest Kat a little more. I am fine with the pick, if he develops a shot it's a great pick

C Walker Kessler (7'1", 245-pounds), Auburn

Best rim-protector in this class by far with exceptional discipline on defense. Absurdly high block rate even at the collegiate level. Alters shots in the paint without selling out. Mobile for a big, but not necessarily fluid. Elite-level roll man and converts opportunities near the rim with authority. Adequate rebounder for his position. Integral piece to one of the nation's top teams this year. Developing perimeter shot that could help stretch the floor, although still unreliable in this regard.

This is a short note that I have for Walker Kessler. Again, I don't hate the pick. It also makes sense given the type of big that Minnesota's been linked to this off-season.

Camden wrote:

C Walker Kessler (7'1", 245-pounds), Auburn

Best rim-protector in this class by far with exceptional discipline on defense. Absurdly high block rate even at the collegiate level. Alters shots in the paint without selling out. Mobile for a big, but not necessarily fluid. Elite-level roll man and converts opportunities near the rim with authority. Adequate rebounder for his position. Integral piece to one of the nation's top teams this year. Developing perimeter shot that could help stretch the floor, although still unreliable in this regard.

This is a short note that I have for Walker Kessler. Again, I don't hate the pick. It also makes sense given the type of big that Minnesota's been linked to this off-season.

Also allows the wolves to not spend the MLE on a big

Camden wrote:

C Walker Kessler (7'1", 245-pounds), Auburn

Best rim-protector in this class by far with exceptional discipline on defense. Absurdly high block rate even at the collegiate level. Alters shots in the paint without selling out. Mobile for a big, but not necessarily fluid. Elite-level roll man and converts opportunities near the rim with authority. Adequate rebounder for his position. Integral piece to one of the nation's top teams this year. Developing perimeter shot that could help stretch the floor, although still unreliable in this regard.

This is a short note that I have for Walker Kessler. Again, I don't hate the pick. It also makes sense given the type of big that Minnesota's been linked to this off-season.

Yeah, I like the fact he stays down and isn't all jumpy. One advantage of not being super athletic as a big is you learn to defend more through positioning and using your God-given length. He seems to get that.

(I still think the refs will absolutely crucify him his first couple years....it could take a while with him, but I like his long term potential).

Weird thing that I noticed... even though he is obviously a big man, he had some of the smallest hands in the draft... even the guards.

Loller wrote:Weird thing that I noticed... even though he is obviously a big man, he had some of the smallest hands in the draft... even the guards.

Interesting nugget, seems like he catches the call great

Loller wrote:Weird thing that I noticed... even though he is obviously a big man, he had some of the smallest hands in the draft... even the guards.

He's the basketball version of Kenny Pickett I guess. Weird.

Loller wrote:Weird thing that I noticed... even though he is obviously a big man, he had some of the smallest hands in the draft... even the guards.

Mrs. Kessler won't be very happy, but luckily I think he'll be fine in the NBA even with the smaller hand size. Just don't ask him to play quarterback in the NFL.