Is Walker Kessler's career over? Tough break in Utah as Jazz face sudden twist in their rising star’s promising season

On Monday night, the Utah Jazz defeated the Boston Celtics on the road at TD Garden in a decisive victory. Walker Kessler, their star center, was not present. A non-call during the defeat to the Jazz infuriated Jaylen Brown.

According to some reports, Kessler, a fourth-year player, will have shoulder surgery, ending his season practically as soon as it started.After being chosen 22nd overall in the 2022 draft, Kessler was in the middle of his fourth NBA season. This summer, he can become a restricted free agent. The Jazz finished the 2024–25 season with a league-worst 17 victories, giving them a 3-4 record going into Wednesday.

A sudden storm surrounds Walker Kessler as the Jazz face a season-changing setback

For the whole 2025–26 season, the Utah Jazz will be without their finest defensive player.

This is because, according to numerous reports, center Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the season owing to a ruptured labrum in his left shoulder. Chris Haynes of Amazon broke the story first.Kessler last played against the Phoenix Suns on Halloween due to a persistent shoulder problem. In his 29 minutes of action, he pulled down 13 rebounds. He first had left shoulder issues in January of last year, which were initially diagnosed as a left shoulder contusion.

However, he made a comeback and played a significant portion of the remainder of the previous season until the ailment became much more problematic when the preseason started in October. The 2022 NBA Draft first-round pick had started every game since the previous season. Due to the parties' failure to reach a contract extension agreement prior to last month's deadline, Kessler will be a restricted free agent after the current season.

The famous center will have surgery that will end his season, it has now been revealed.“Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will need left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the season, League Sources tell The Athletic.”

Kessler averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in his five games this season, both of which were higher than his career norms. Kessler was transported to Salt Lake City for additional shoulder testing and examination following the Jazz's game against Phoenix on October 31.

The surgery decision was announced on Wednesday.In his fourth season, Kessler was regarded as one of the NBA's finest rim protectors; early in the season, he led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6. Kessler has averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game through five outings.The Jazz decided not to renew his rookie contract, even though he was eligible for one before the season. In the summer of 2026, Kessler will become a restricted free agent, and he plans to sign a new contract and undergo rehabilitation.Also read: What is Walker Kessler's net worth? Los Angeles Lakers eye NBA pro as Utah Jazz center nears free agency decision