The season of the star player is over.
Walker Kessler (right) is sidelined for the rest of the season. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler undergoes shoulder surgery. The matter was reported, among other things, by the NBA’s inside reporter Chris Haynes.
The injury will keep Kessler sidelined from the floor for the rest of the season. That’s a big setback Lauri Markkanen for the star-studded Utah Jazz, who have started their season surprisingly well.
Kessler averaged more than 30 minutes in the first games of the season and averaged 14.4 points per game. In addition, he grabbed more than 10 rebounds per game.
The Jazz have won three of their first seven games.
Or now?
Kessler’s absence may have an impact on Markkanen’s situation.
With the center of the starting five gone for the rest of the season, the Jazz could maximize the probability of losing by also trading forward Markkanen for good compensation. Jazz is still in the rebuilding phase, and the club is looking for a good booking number for next summer.
The Finn has been the subject of transfer rumors again, but the club management has not agreed to let go of their star player.
Markkanen’s season has started brilliantly. The point average after seven games is a whopping 31.1.