The New York Knicks’ frontcourt depth could use some work this season.
Acquiring a talented young Utah Jazz center could give the franchise a much-needed boost.
“(Walker) Kessler is a more unlikely trade candidate amid reports of the Jazz taking him off the trade market earlier this season,” Sports Illustrated’s Jed Katz wrote Friday.
“However, it’s not impossible for the Knicks to make an offer Utah can’t turn down. Along with (Mitchell) Robinson, New York still has draft capital to give up, plus rookies on the bench.”
“The Knicks can put together an enticing package for Kessler despite the Jazz being hesitant to entertain offers. The 23-year-old is averaging 10.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game as a starter.”
“Although he’d play behind (Karl-Anthony) Towns, the young center is just as effective on the glass and defense as Robinson and is more durable.”
Regarding potential, recognizing Kessler’s encouragingly high ceiling doesn’t require a genius.
As a confident big man with a soft jump hook and a knack for utilizing his 7-foot-4 wingspan to block shots on the way up viciously, Kessler has intrigued various teams around the league.
The Auburn product is far from a finished product, but his commitment to playing his role with the Jazz and showing promise early in his career could pay dividends in the future.
With Robinson displaying fragility with the Knicks, the organization should consider bringing Kessler on board this season.
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