Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Shams Charania reported that the 24-year-old big man is set to have a season-ending procedure to repair a torn labrum.
Kessler’s injury halts what had been a strong start to his third year in the league. Before going down, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over five games, shooting 70.3% from the field.
The 7-footer’s standout performance came against the Phoenix Suns on October 27, when he posted 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks in a 138–134 overtime win.
Through his first three NBA seasons, Kessler had developed into one of the league’s more reliable rim protectors. His 2024–25 campaign featured averages of 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.
Utah will now need to fill a significant gap in its rotation. Veteran Jusuf Nurkic, averaging 7.6 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, is expected to take on a larger role in the frontcourt. Forwards Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski may also see increased minutes as Hardy adjusts the lineup.
The Jazz are 3–4 entering this week, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 31.1 points per game and Keyonte George’s 23.1 points and 8.1 assists. Losing Kessler, however, removes the team’s most dependable defensive anchor and primary rebounder.
