The Jazz Don't Need to Trade Lauri Markkanen
In today's NBA, rebuilds can happen quickly. Utah has a promising path to join this group.
Walker Kessler's Unique NBA Journey
Walker Kessler's NBA career started unexpectedly. As the most tangible return for the Jazz in the initially criticized Rudy Gobert trade, Kessler delivered a strong rookie season. He provided Utah with a defense-oriented center to continue the legacy of the "Stifle Tower."
Offensive Talent in Lauri Markkanen
The offensive piece meant to replace Donovan Mitchell arrived in Utah through another major trade that summer: Lauri Markkanen. In the first season after the trades, Kessler's rookie year, Markkanen, aged 25, earned the Most Improved Player award and was named an All-Star.
He was a serious candidate for a Third Team All-NBA spot until injuries caused him to miss several games late in the season.
Kessler's Rookie Achievements
- Finished third in Rookie of the Year voting behind Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams
- Named to the First Team All-Rookie
- Averaged more blocks per game than Gobert while playing fewer minutes
Contrary to expectations of a rebuilding year, Utah finished with a 37-45 record. They later acquired Taylor Hendricks as their second asset from the Timberwolves after Kessler.
Utah’s Future Prospects
At that time, the team did not have many valuable future building blocks besides Utah’s own draft picks, Markkanen, Kessler, and a handful of solid rotation players.
What's understated about that team is that there wasn't a lot in the cupboard for long-term development beyond these key pieces.
Summary: Utah’s blend of emerging talent and key acquisitions shows promise, suggesting the Jazz can build a competitive team without trading Lauri Markkanen.