A former Auburn star’s season in the NBA is over almost as quickly as it began.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Wednesday that Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will undergo surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which will force him to miss the remainder of the season. Kessler played in five games during the 2025-26 season with the Jazz, averaging 30.8 minutes, 14.4 points, and 10.8 rebounds per game. He was also shooting 70.3% from the field at the time of his injury.
According to a report by Ryan Miller of KSL.com, Kessler was ruled out of Sunday’s game between the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. He flew back to Utah for further evaluations, which resulted in the need for surgery. His shoulder surgery is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, in Los Angeles.
Jazz head coach Will Hardy says that he expects more effort from his team, especially on the boards, now that Kessler will no longer be on the floor this season.
“It’ll take a little bit of an adjustment, because Walker does have a unique size for our team,” Hardy said. “But complaining is not a strategy. We have to make do with what we’ve got. I think these guys can do it.”
Kessler was in his fourth season with the Jazz after spending the 2021-22 season with the Auburn Tigers. During his time in the NBA, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Last season, he reached a season-high in points per game (11.1) and rebounds per game (12.2).
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