2022-23 NBA Rookie Discussion Thread (poll reset)

[Duke4life831]

I think Kessler is better than Ivey, Mathurin and Banchero but we are not ready to have that conversation

Im a big Kessler fan but disagree with this take. But I would love to hear your full argument on why you think this.

[SOUL]

I think Kessler may be the best rookie in his particular role, which at the moment is low usage 20 mpg (and rising) big. He's really impressive and finding someone who doesn't make you miss Gobert in the following season is actually amazing.

That being said, even during Gobert's best years there were questions about the value of a big like that in today's day and age. Kessler is an amazing finisher/takes smart shots, defends at a high level already, rebounds, and does all the little things.. but can't use him as an offensive hub at all, passing seems iffy, still low usage, FT% is bad, FT rate isn't great. So just like Gobert in his best years, I think there are questions in terms of what his ceiling is and what is true value is, but for being a rookie, none of that matters at the moment. Jazz fans should be beyond thrilled. Not to mention, he can be a completely different guy in a few years.

[mcmurphy]

That being said, even during Gobert's best years there were questions about the value of a big like that in today's day and age. Kessler is an amazing finisher/takes smart shots, defends at a high level already, rebounds, and does all the little things.. but can't use him as an offensive hub at all, passing seems iffy, still low usage, FT% is bad, FT rate isn't great. So just like Gobert in his best years, I think there are questions in terms of what his ceiling is and what is true value is, but for being a rookie, none of that matters at the moment. Jazz fans should be beyond thrilled. Not to mention, he can be a completely different guy in a few years.

Good question.
I think a great protector in paint even with little offensive potential is still very important even in today's game. I saw the game with Phila and it was clear that with Kessler on the court the game in the paint of Phila practically didn't exist despite having a player like Embiid who often abuses the opponent's center.
Phila's game was essentially relying on triples by Harden, Maxey and Milton... in the end they were right but with 17/39 (43%) from 3P and finally winning with a falling shot by Embiid against a team that from 3 shot with 30% and had out Markkanen, Olynyk and Clexton is not a great calling card.

Regarding Kessler surely he could have been served more by the guards because in any case he seems to have good hands and almost never loses the ball when he is served. Indeed I have seen him manage to catch some very dirty balls from the guards to finalize them.
He seems to me a student of the game and it wouldn't surprise me if he developed a 3-point shot at least respectable from the opposing team. If he then developed his passing game just a little then it would be fun, boy.
Anyway even so if is the only player with limited offensive play in the starting lineup has great potential.

[tooler]

That being said, even during Gobert's best years there were questions about the value of a big like that in today's day and age.

Where I thought you were going with this is the value of a drop/paint big in the playoffs. Gobert was an all-NBA player and some people made it their primary hobby to point out how he’d never work in the playoffs. Teams will have no qualms bombing away, and missing 27 straight 3s only happens once, and for one stretch of a game.

Most GMs probably don’t want that long-term headache. On the flip side, there’s a market imbalance where taking a badass player with a major weakness at 22 is well worth it. The Jazz have a long way to go before it matters, and of course he could also magically develop a bunch of other skills in the meantime. Like I said, I’d LOVE to have him on my team. Worry about his fit in the modern NBA when he’s ready for his second contract. We’ve certainly seen that this style of player can return a major haul.

[KingFox]

Pretty nice to see as Keegan adds to his game

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=y-LRqZPZOixKsjf9KPHD0w

[mcmurphy]

Kessler with 6pts, 11 reb (4off), 2 ast, 2 blk... at half.

[SOUL]

Kessler getting a 20/20 over the team that drafted him is poetic justice

[mcmurphy]

Kessler with 6pts, 11 reb (4off), 2 ast, 2 blk... at half.

20/21 (9 off reb)/4/2 at the end... not bad

[dautjazz]

Kessler was a monster, but Agbaji also had a very nice game. He's starting to gain confidence.

[thelead]

1. Paolo
2. Kessler
3. Mathurin

Kessler's impact cannot be denied.

[thelead]

Pretty nice to see as Keegan adds to his game

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=y-LRqZPZOixKsjf9KPHD0w

He fits so well and has the skillset to do more if/when needed. He's also raising his brother's draft stock with his play.

[ItsDanger]

Read on Twitter

The casual take often just looks at basic stats out of context and with little reflection. Ohhhh, points, must be good.

[Colbinii]

Pretty nice to see as Keegan adds to his game

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=y-LRqZPZOixKsjf9KPHD0w

He was already a good 3 point shooter in college.

[KingFox]

Pretty nice to see as Keegan adds to his game

Read on Twitter

?s=46&t=y-LRqZPZOixKsjf9KPHD0w

He was already a good 3 point shooter in college.

Oh i just meant that he's finally stuffing the stat sheet in other areas. The 3 is a sure thing for him, no doubt.

[Duke4life831]

To me there no doubt has been 2 standouts. Paolo is doing exactly what you want from the #1 pick. He is showing he is going to be this giant point forward who can be your franchise cornerstone. Anyone would be over the moon if they got the #1 pick and showed what Paolo is showing. Every team is looking for that franchise #1 option, Paolo is looking like he has that nailed down.

Then you got Kessler. Obviously not a #1 option on offense and wont ever be one. But having a truly elite defensive 5 in today's NBA is extremely valuable. And like the video above shows, its far more than just the blocks per 36 or whatever, he is a true deterrent at the rim already. Guys are driving to the lane then just kick out when they see him there. What a steal by Utah.

Then we have some other rookies who are looking really solid and showing a good amount of flashes. Kessler and Paolo to me have just been the WOW rookies so far.

[Duke4life831]

Shout out to Mark Williams. 17/6 with 5 blocks in just 19 minutes tonight.

[dautjazz]

Kessler starting to put up double doubles every night. 13pts 11rbs 3asts 1stl 2blks tonight in 28 minutes.

[xBulletproof]

I'm glad I didn't buy into the Mathurin hot start as a Pacers fan. On social media when I look around people are mad about his minutes, but honestly, he hasn't been great. I know some Pacers fans aren't going to want to hear that, but when driving he's been very turnover prone (more TO than assists) with some wild shots, and he is only shooting 61% at the rim. Not an inspiring figure. The skill I thought he did have, shooting 3's, he's at 33%. Not pretty either. The only saving grace in his offense is the FT rate. Without that, it would be pretty putrid. I also thought he was more athletic. When he's in space, and nobody is around, he can really sky so it looks good on highlights. But as far as functional athleticism it all just goes away when there is traffic or contact, which is a problem. Some of that is off set as he's strong for his size and has body control.

Then there is his defense ...... woof. I'm just going to leave it at that, I don't want to wear my keyboard out. While I'm picking at him, he also looks and plays smaller than his 6'6 listing. It's more like ...6'4 or 6'3 to my eyes.

The good things I've seen is that he's learned when/where he can get to the rim and has been eliminating some charges with floaters. He's learning on the fly and I have seen some changes. Gives me hope that he *could* come into next season a different player. Combined with his dog mindset, I think that's possible. I hope it is, anyway.

I think he's been pretty bad on both ends of the floor, but because he's put up point totals, and we were winning nobody looked past it. But this is what I've seen so far.

[76ciology]

Im a big fan of Kessler. I sound like a Jazz fan already in our message board.

Another guy who’s under the radar is Mark Williams. Elite length, very mobile and athletic, great in stocks, great roll man/finished and even shows great touch at perimeter.

Mark Williams is everything what Jalen Duren wants to be.

[Nate505]

I doubt Kessler will get ROY, and I'm sure others are more deserving (you can see how little I follow the race), but damn if he isn't making a big impact for the Jazz so far.