Walker Kessler

Walker Kessler is one of the NBA's premier shot-blocking centers — a towering rim protector who alters everything at the basket. Out of Auburn, where he was the best interior defender in his draft class, he was acquired by the Utah Jazz in the Rudy Gobert trade and quickly became a nightly double-double and block threat. A torn labrum limited his 2025-26 season to just five games before shoulder surgery, but his value was clear enough that he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and signed a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler's elite rim protection, lob finishing and offensive rebounding make him a defensive anchor to build around.