Latest news with #WalkerKessler
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Report Emerges on Potential Lakers Trade Target
New Report Emerges on Potential Lakers Trade Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers have been tied to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for quite some time. They most recently tried to acquire him during the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. Per a March report from NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers and New York Knicks tried to discuss a trade with the Jazz, but Utah wasn't interested. Advertisement "League sources say that the Knicks were right there with the Lakers in their determination before the trade deadline to try to convince Utah to engage in meaningful Walker Kessler trade talks," Stein wrote. "No dice, though. The Jazz made it clear they wanted no part of entertaining Kessler pitches in-season." Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24).© Soobum Im-Imagn Images Kessler remained with the Jazz for the rest of the season. However, this offseason, Utah might make some changes after hiring Austin Ainge as President of Basketball Operations. The Deseret News' Sarah Todd reported that Kessler is among the players the Jazz would put on the trade market this offseason. "Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks," Todd wrote. "...league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen." Kessler could be the type of rim protector and vertical threat LA needs alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He is also paid on a rookie contract, which is valuable given his production. Advertisement The Jazz also own the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected), so they might be hesitant to help LA in a deal. Then again, they were the third team that helped facilitate the Doncic trade. Related: Celtics-Mavericks Trade Report Surfaces After Cooper Flagg News Related: Lakers Receive Unfortunate News on Potential Mavericks Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
National Post
08-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Meet Pat Spencer, the NBA's most unlikely player who went from lacrosse legend to the League
Article content The Golden State Warriors have a new cult hero with a backstory that reads like fiction. Article content Article content Spencer sports a moustache that looks straight out of the 1970s (think Starsky and Hutch) and during Game 1 of Golden State's playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this week, dropped a running hook shot off the glass, adding to his throwback feel. Article content Article content Spencer sporting No. 61 on his jersey doesn't help much to make him appear like a modern player, either. Article content When the play started making the rounds on social media, some wondered whether Spencer was a real player or if AI had simply improved to the point where created players out of video games could be inserted into NBA clips. Article content Spencer is in fact real, though how he got here seems out of a movie. Article content He was only a few months shy of his 28th birthday when he made his NBA debut last season. That doesn't happen very often. He played six games for the Warriors and a total of 26 minutes, taking only four shots. Article content In 2024-25, Spencer got into 39 regular-season games for Golden State (and threw down a huge dunk over gigantic Utah centre Walker Kessler), but now surprisingly has been called on by head coach Steve Kerr for five playoff contests. Article content NCAA LACROSSE RECORD HOLDER-TURNED NBA PLAYER PAT SPENCER PUT WALKER KESSLER ON A POSTER! 😳📸 — Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) February 6, 2025 Article content Article content A bigger surprise has been Spencer shooting 15-for-21 (71.4%) in those games considering he has hit only 41% of his regular-season attempts. Article content Article content One of the most staggering parts of Spencer's story is the fact that basketball isn't even his best sport. Spencer hails from North Wales, Penn., a suburb just north of Philadelphia, and went to prep school in Maryland where he was a lacrosse sensation (while also playing basketball). Article content Spencer is the NCAA's all-time lacrosse leader in assists (231) and the Patriot League's career points leader. He has won all kinds of awards, including national player of the year and the Tewaaraton Award, which is considered the Heisman Trophy for lacrosse.
NBC Sports
22-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Utah Jazz 2024-25 fantasy basketball season recap: Lauri Markkanen, John Collins limited by injuries
While the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, now is a good time to recap the fantasy basketball season for all 30 teams. In the following weeks, we will provide a recap for each team, starting with the team with the worst record and concluding with the NBA champion in June. First up, the Utah Jazz, who wasted little time revealing their priorities for the 2024-25 season: playing their 'youngsters' and increasing their chances of winning next month's NBA Draft lottery. Utah Jazz 2024-2025 Season Recap Record: 17-65 (15th, West) Offensive Rating: 110.2 (24th) Defensive Rating: 119.4 (30th) Net Rating: -9.2 (28th) Pace: 100.85 (6th) 2025 NBA Draft Picks: 14.0 percent chance of winning the lottery; 21, 43, 52 After winning 31 games the season prior, the Utah Jazz entered the 2024-25 season with even lower expectations. With a loaded projected 2025 draft class headlined by Duke's Cooper Flagg, it was clear that the front office's goal would be to increase its odds of landing the first overall pick in May's lottery. Utah wasted even less time cutting the minutes of its veterans than in either of the two seasons prior, and the result was a league-low 17 victories. This approach led to just two rotation veterans surpassing 60 games played: guards Collin Sexton and Keyonte George. John Collins and Lauri Markkanen both failed to reach 50 games, and second-year forward Taylor Hendricks played just three games before suffering a gruesome leg fracture. While Utah finished the season with three top-100 fantasy players, none (Collins, Markkanen and Walker Kessler) reached 60 games. Besides strengthening their draft lottery odds, Utah's approach to the season meant more opportunities for some of the team's younger players. Rookie guard Isaiah Collier would replace George in the starting lineup for good in late January, while fellow 2024 draft pick Kyle Filipowski and second-year forward Brice Sensabaugh also had their moments as Utah's regular season concluded. However, lottery pick Cody Williams had a rough first season in the NBA, and his progress will be a critical storyline for the Jazz during Summer League play. Fantasy Standout: Walker Kessler As the lone top-100 player on the Jazz roster to play at least 50 games, Kessler is the choice by default. A disappointment during the 2023-24 campaign after finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting the season prior, the 7-footer rebounded nicely in 2024-25. In 58 appearances, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes, shooting 66.3 percent from the field and 52.0 percent from the foul line. A top-50 player in nine-cat formats, Kessler was a top-10 player for fantasy managers willing to punt free throw percentage. Just as encouraging for the young center was that he only averaged 1.5 turnovers per game; more often than not, centers average more turnovers than assists. February was Kessler's best month, as he averaged 12.9 points, 15.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.2 blocks while shooting 74.7 percent from the field and 54.8 percent from the foul line. During that month, he returned top-20 value in nine-cat formats and top-30 value in eight-cat. And Kessler was a top-10 player in free-throw percentage-punt models. After being the subject of trade rumors last summer, his place within the Jazz rotation feels far more secure, and he's extension-eligible this summer. Fantasy Revelation: John Collins Collins only appeared in 40 games due to injury, but he was far more valuable than expected when available. Averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers per game, the veteran forward/center provided fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Collins shot 52.7 percent from the field and 84.8 percent from the free throw line; the lone issue for fantasy managers (besides the availability) was his average of 2.7 turnovers per game. Yet again the focus of trade rumors, Collins was not moved this season and has a player option worth $26.58 million for the 2025-26 campaign. Beyond the option, what happens with Collins' fantasy value for next season may also depend on the draft lottery results. If Utah misses out on a top-3 pick, would the front office consider another 'tank' in hopes of getting into position for a Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa? Collins may not be worth a top-50 pick in drafts for multiple reasons, but his Yahoo! ADP should be much higher than it was going into the 2024-25 campaign (103). Fantasy Disappointment: Jordan Clarkson Clarkson has long been a superior option in points leagues than category leagues, but he provided little value in both this season. Limited to 37 games, he averaged 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 three-pointers, shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 79.7 percent from the foul line. Clarkson was ranked outside the top-200 in eight- and nine-cat formats, and he was barely a top-300 player in total games value according to Basketball Monster. He's heading into a contract year, which may give the Jazz an interesting decision to make at next February's trade deadline if the franchise continues to struggle to win games. Lauri Markkanen: Not wanting to be traded, Markkanen timed the signing of his extension so that he could not be moved during the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, the Jazz forward appeared in a career-low 47 games, averaging 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.9 three-pointers in 31.4 minutes. Markkanen also had his worst season shooting-wise, as he made a career-low 42.3 percent of his attempts from the field. Expected by many to threaten top-25 fantasy value before the season began, he finished ranked outside the top-100 in eight-cat formats and just inside that threshold in nine-cat. Markkanen played his final game of the season on March 17, as a knee injury sidelined him for the final month. Fantasy managers have seen Markkanen at his best during his first two seasons with the Jazz, so there's no denying what he's capable of when healthy. However, the combination of his subpar 2024-25 season and questions regarding Utah's direction is likely to impact Lauri's Yahoo! ADP negatively. Will he be worth grabbing within the first 50 picks in standard league drafts? Probably. But reaching for him toward the end of the second round in 12-team leagues would be a bit much, based on the factors mentioned above. Collin Sexton: After making 51 starts during the 2023-24 season, Sexton was a starter for 61 of his 63 appearances last season. He averaged 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 27.9 minutes, shooting 48 percent from the field and 86.5 percent from the foul line. Sexton's lack of defensive production and turnovers negatively impacted his fantasy value, as he finished the season ranked outside the top-150 in nine-cat formats. The good news for managers in eight-cat formats was that he was considerably more valuable, sitting just outside the top-100. Sexton remaining in the starting lineup when available gave him a higher fantasy floor, but the ceiling was limited due to the lack of defensive production. That end of the floor has never been an area where fantasy managers have expected to receive consistent value from Sexton, but he did record two steals in each of his final three appearances of the season. While Sexton is eligible for a contract extension this summer, Utah may hold off on making a decision on the guard's long-term future to preserve cap space for the summer of 2026. Fantasy-wise, a case can be made for drafting Collin within the first 100 picks. However, many managers would be better off waiting until after that point in drafts to move for him. Keyonte George: After earning All-Rookie honors during the 2023-24 season, George's 2024-25 campaign was interesting. He started 35 of the 67 games he appeared in, with Isaiah Collier taking over the starting point guard job in late January. George still recorded improved averages in points (16.8), rebounds (3.8), assists (5.6), steals (0.7) and three-pointers (2.6) compared to his first season with the Jazz, but there wasn't much change in his efficiency. The second-year guard once again shot 39.1 percent from the field, and he was also responsible for 2.7 turnovers per game. While an 11th-round player in eight-cat formats, Keyonte failed to crack the top-200 in nine-cat. George had three games of at least 30 points, and four with at least 10 assists. However, it's fair to wonder who will be Utah's point guard of the future, especially since he is more of a scorer than a distributor. Selecting George with a late-round pick in drafts wouldn't be the worst idea, but it was clear that head coach Will Hardy believed more in Collier taking on the role of starting point guard as the season progressed. Whether or not that's the case in the fall will impact how both guards are viewed within fantasy basketball. Brice Sensabaugh: Sensabaugh was another young Jazz player whose numbers improved last season, with the second-year forward averaging 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in 20.2 minutes. Appearing in 71 games, Sensabaugh made 15 starts and shot 45.9 percent from the field and 89.0 percent from the foul line. While the season-long fantasy value remained low, the 6-foot-6 wing scored at least 22 points in each of his final three games. Sensaubaugh scored 20 points or more on nine occasions, headlined by his 34-point effort in a blowout win over the Heat on January 4. A double-digit scorer in eight of his final nine games, the offensive end of the floor has not been the issue for Sensabaugh. If he's to earn more playing time, it will come through improved play on the defensive end of the floor. Given his efficiency, he's someone worth watching during the preseason. Brice could have deep-league value depending on how this June's draft plays out for the Jazz. Kyle Filipowski: The 32nd overall pick in last June's draft, Filipowski appeared in 72 games as a rookie. He was one of the young Jazz players whose opportunities increased after the calendar flipped to 2025, averaging 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 22.9 minutes per game from January 1 onward. Just as encouraging was Filipowski's play to end the season, as he started Utah's final 11 contests and contributed 14.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers in 29.6 minutes per game. While he finished the season ranked outside the top-200 in eight- and nine-cat formats, Filipowski was an effective streamer during the 'silly season.' However, many of those opportunities presented themselves due to the absences of Lauri Markkanen and John Collins from the Jazz lineup, so the 6-foot-11 rookie's production has to be taken with a grain of salt. Having a healthy Markkanen and Collins in the fold will unquestionably limit Filipowski's fantasy ceiling in 2025-26, not to mention what could happen if Utah were to land Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey in the draft. Filipowski won't be a must-draft player in standard leagues this fall, but that doesn't mean there's no chance of him being valuable to fantasy managers at some point. Isaiah Collier: The second of Utah's two first-round picks in the 2024 draft, Collier had his moments before a hamstring injury ruled him out for the team's final three games. Unfortunately, the 6-foot-3 guard did not make his debut until November 7 after straining his hamstring during the preseason. The return from that injury slowed Collier early on, but his opportunities would begin to increase after Christmas. From January 5 onward, the rookie averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes, shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the foul line. Collier would start 44 of his final 46 games, pushing Keyonte George to the bench. His fantasy value would remain low, but the rookie was worth a look for deep-league managers needing assists. Collier also defended his position reasonably well, even if that did not result in a high number of steals. His fantasy value for next season will depend on how the Jazz view the point guard position, especially with George still in the fold. While Collier won't be a must-draft player in most fantasy leagues, being named the starter before the season begins would increase his value. Taylor Hendricks: After appearing in 40 games as a rookie, Hendricks began the 2024-25 season as a starter. Unfortunately, he only played three games, suffering a fractured fibula during a loss to the Mavericks on October 28. After shooting 4-of-7 from the field and scoring 12 points in the opener against Memphis, Hendricks was a combined 0-of-11 in losses to Golden State and Dallas. Cody Williams would move into the starting lineup in the immediate aftermath of Hendricks' injury, but John Collins was promoted in mid-November and (when healthy) held onto that role until his season ended in mid-March. Given where he began this season within the Jazz rotation, one would assume that Hendricks will be given every opportunity to compete for a place in the starting lineup once healthy. However, the sample size is not large enough to make him a must-draft player in most leagues. That said, Hendricks will be worth tracking during training camp due to his 3-and-D potential. Cody Williams: The tenth overall pick in last June's draft, Williams began the season in the Jazz rotation. Unfortunately, the rookie wing was unable to do much with his opportunities when available. Making 50 appearances, Williams averaged 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.7 three-pointers in 21.2 minutes. Having made 21 starts, he shot 32.3 percent from the field and 72.5 percent from the foul line. Williams' season would end prematurely in early April, as a case of mononucleosis sidelined him for the final seven games. Due to the lackluster production, Williams was not worth the risk in fantasy leagues once the Jazz began sitting their veterans. Summer League will be critical for him, as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing rookie campaign. And given the players expected to go at the top of this summer's draft, Williams may face added competition for rotation minutes in the fall. Restricted Free Agents: Micah Potter, Oscar Tshiebwe Unrestricted Free Agents: None Player Option: John Collins
Associated Press
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Utah faces Houston, seeks to end 6-game skid
Utah Jazz (16-60, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (49-27, second in the Western Conference) Houston; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Utah looks to end its six-game slide with a victory over Houston. The Rockets are 28-18 in conference play. Houston scores 114.0 points while outscoring opponents by 4.9 points per game. The Jazz are 7-41 against Western Conference opponents. Utah is fifth in the league with 45.4 rebounds per game led by Walker Kessler averaging 12.2. The Rockets average 12.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer makes per game than the Jazz give up (14.7). The Jazz average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.1 per game the Rockets give up. TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Green is shooting 42.5% and averaging 21.5 points for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.1 points over the last 10 games. Kessler is averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks for the Jazz. Collin Sexton is averaging 14.4 points over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 8-2, averaging 121.1 points, 51.4 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.6 points per game. Jazz: 1-9, averaging 104.7 points, 40.3 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 7.2 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 43.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.8 points. INJURIES: Rockets: None listed. Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: day to day (knee), Collin Sexton: day to day (hip), John Collins: out (ankle), Taylor Hendricks: out for season (fibula), Jordan Clarkson: out for season (foot), Walker Kessler: day to day (illness), Cody Williams: day to day (illness). ___
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alperen Sengun dominates in Utah as Rockets extend lead in West playoff race
Alperen Sengun dominates in Utah as Rockets extend lead in West playoff race All-Star center Alperen Sengun (33 points, 10 rebounds) was elite in Utah as the No. 2 Rockets (48-26) gained a game on both the Lakers and Grizzlies (each 44-29) in the West playoff race. Houston began a three-game road trip with Thursday's 121-110 victory (box score) in Utah. For the Rockets, it's the 11th win in their last 12 games. Houston (48-26) remains at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, while the Jazz (16-58) are still in last place. With losses by the No. 4 Lakers and No. 5 Grizzlies (both 44-29), the Rockets extended their lead to 3.5 games for a top-four seed and home-court advantage in at least the first round of the 2025 playoffs. Only eight regular-season games remain for the Rockets, who own the tiebreaker versus Memphis and currently lead it versus Los Angeles (1-0 head-to-head with two games left to play). The big individual story for the Rockets was All-Star center Alperen Sengun, who dominated his matchup versus Utah's Walker Kessler with a game-high 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He shot 11-of-19 from the field (57.9%) and 11-of-13 on free throws (84.6%). Other statistics of note included: Jalen Green: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists; 8-of-20 shooting (40.0%), 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%) Tari Eason: 15 points, 6 rebounds; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%) Amen Thompson: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%) Jabari Smith Jr.: 11 points, 10 rebounds; 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%) Dillon Brooks: 10 points, 3 assists; 2-of-4 from 3-point range (50.0%) Thompson returned from a one-game absence due to left ankle soreness, though backup center Steven Adams sat out with right wrist pain. Second-year wing prospect Brice Sensabaugh was outstanding for the Jazz with 17 points and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes, making all six of his shot attempts and going 5-of-5 from 3-point range. March 27 Rockets-Jazz Complete Highlights March 27 Postgame Reaction and Interviews What's Next Houston finishes out its three-game road trip with a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns (35-38) and Los Angeles Lakers (44-29) on Sunday and Monday nights, respectively. More: ESPN's Carlos Boozer makes case for Rockets as West's second-best team
