Walker Kessler Discussion: Rim Protector And Lob Threat

Luka has turned bums into centers who can look like a starter. With a very good center, agree on the top 5 defensive big ranking, he can make that guy an all-star assuming we can win enough games.





I love the addition, best fitting big of anyone who was available via signing or trade this summer.

The injuries don't really concern me, Utah got fined for sitting guys and were pushing players to get cosmetic surgery...any reason for them to stack losses.

The cost is brutal to get him. That puts some big time expectations on him. I think he could live up to it, if Rob could build a proper roster. Unfortunately we're currently asking him to be the entire defense. Pull him from the roster and this is a bottom 5 defense, he has to singlehandedly make that into a middle of the road defense for this team to be a playoff team. The size of the ask defensively is going to take a toll on what he could be doing on offense.

 

Not worried about him missing time at all. His shoulder injury was nagging since his years in high school. It was due for a surgery sooner than later. He doesn't have a history of lower body injuries, which is a positive outlook for a center.

Getting a Top 3 rim protector is so incredibly valuable. Both historical and modern data show that interior anchors remain the most important role for championship-caliber defenses. As Wemby and Gobert has shown, rim protection is vastly more important than perimeter defense. Honestly Luka and Austin aren't as bad as some folks think they are.

 

I’m less concerned offensively. I’m more concerned defensively. If teams play 5 out, Kessler isn’t a defender in space. That’s why Gobert gets played off the floor.

How effective is he, if he gets dragged out to defend a 3pt catch and shoot guy?

I’m excited for him though.

 

his dad was also drafted by the clippers in the 80s but never played in the nba

 

a basketball sicko

I have super high hopes for this guy this year. I think Reaves and Luka will get the best out of him

 

All-star level player. He is going to get the best out of them...lol.

 

I think we slot in Ben Simmons at the 4 as well. Some extra D and finishing capability, some passing, some rebounding. Doesn't need to play a major role, so it doesn't matter if he's recovering mentally or not. He has size and skill and would possibly come cheap.

 

FT% is 54.5% needs to improve that

 

I think if he can finish through contact, it’s probably less of an issue than we think

 

I mean he only shoots 2-3 free throws a game. Even if he gets that FT% to 70%, that's a difference of like 0.4-0.6 pts per game. I bet he'll have a career high in FG% though, playing with Luka and AR.

 

Needs to be shooting those FTs every day in the gym

It's critical at the end of games and can cost us a win

 

@sirronstuff must be extatic.

 

He is. But he said there’s a long way before true hegemony will return like it was in the 50s