Walker Kessler (C, UTA) - Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12

Walker Kessler is worth considering as a fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup heading into Week 12 of the 2022-23 NBA season.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 12% of leagues

ANALYSIS: While the Utah Jazz welcomed Kelly Olynyk back and instantly put him in the starting lineup at PF last Wednesday (and once more on Friday) and Jarred Vanderbilt never stopped starting games whether that was at PF or C, the truth is that Walker Kessler, even back to a second-unit role now, has kept his value and upside up for the last couple of games with both veterans around.

Kessler enjoyed a little four-game streak of starts from Dec. 19 to Dec. 26 but those days seem to be over now for the rookie. That doesn't mean that things have changed a lot for him, though. Even starting, Kessler only topped 30 minutes once, and in the other three games, he played an average of 24 MPG.

Now stuck in the Jazz second unit, he's logged 20 and 24 MP in the last two games they have played through Friday. That's already a win considering he was averaging a measly 16 MPG before December. Kessler should keep those 20+ minutes up ROS easily, if not actually getting even a larger role down the road if Utah decides to skew young and trade some veterans to join the tank race.

Kessler does three things nicely: scoring points on low-volume shots, pulling down boards, and blocking shots. Kessler, through the full season, is blocking 1.8 shots per game. Again, that's through the full season on just 19 MPG. Only six other players are blocking as many shots per game as Kessler, and adjusting for a per-minute outcome he'd rank second (3.5 blocks per 36 minutes) only behind JJJ.

The rookie is also great on the boards, pulling down 16.2% of all rebounds available when he's on the court and an even better 20% of those ricocheting off the rim on defense. Obviously, the low playing time has Kessler's average down to a meager 6+ RPG through 35 games played, but if he can get to around 20 MPG ROS, he could easily enter the 8+ RPG realm.

No turnovers on his lines but no more than one dime per night either so it's not that he helps you there in any substantial way. Consider Kessler a viable fantasy player in deeper formats with minimal options available, but keep him in mind in shallower leagues if/when the Jazz pivot to active tanking mode ahead of the trade deadline.

More Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups

RotoBaller Writing and Media Team Nominated For 13 FSWA Awards in 2024

It's awards season for the fantasy sports industry, and RotoBaller is honored to be recognized by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) with various award nominations from our writing and media team in 2024. The RotoBaller brand continues to shine among the many talented companies and analysts throughout the fantasy sports industry for their editorial […]

RotoBaller 2 months ago

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 15 (2024-25): February 3 - February 9

If you're like me, you woke up to one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history (Luka for AD) and are still trying to make sense of it. It will likely be the biggest trade of the week, but it won't be the only deal made this week as Thursday's NBA trade deadline looms. […]

Dan Palyo 3 months ago

League Winners: Second-Half Trade Targets and Stashes - 2025 Fantasy Basketball

Things have not gone as planned for fantasy basketball managers who drafted players like Joel Embiid or Jimmy Butler. But there's plenty of basketball left to be played and it's time to reassess how we view players going forward. If you want to win that fantasy basketball league championship, worry less about where your players […]

Dan Palyo 3 months ago

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 14 (2024-25): January 27 - February 2

We flip the calendar to February this week and edge closer to both the All-Star break and the NBA trade deadline. Some of the moves you can make in the next few weeks could greatly impact your team's ability to compete for a fantasy championship in March or April! Most leagues have a weekly moves […]

Dan Palyo 3 months ago

League Winners: Players To Stash For the Stretch Run - 2024 Fantasy Basketball

The All-Star Break is upon us and while it's nice to have some time off from setting lineups, making DFS lineups, and placing bets. It's also a nice time to look ahead and what moves you can make to put your team in the best position possible to win a fantasy basketball title. Remember, the […]

Dan Palyo 1 year ago