Walker Kessler, the Utah Jazz centre, will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season. He is set to have surgery on his left shoulder to fix a torn labrum.
This decision follows an initial diagnosis of shoulder bursitis, which was later found to be more severe. The news was confirmed by NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
Kessler’s performance last season was notable, with him leading the league in blocked shots at 2.38 per game. He also averaged 12.2 rebounds, ranking fifth in the NBA, and scored 11.1 points over 58 games. This season, he maintained strong stats with 14.4 points per game and ranked eighth in rebounding at 10.8 per game.
In Kessler’s absence, veteran Jusuf Nurkic has stepped into the starting centre role for the Jazz’s recent games. With a current record of 3-4, Nurkic is expected to continue as a starter for the team moving forward.
Kessler is currently in his fourth professional season and will become a restricted free agent in the upcoming off-season. Despite attempts, he did not secure an extension deal during the summer.
The injury has cut short what could have been another impressive season for Kessler. His contributions were significant both offensively and defensively for the Jazz. As he recovers from surgery, his future contract negotiations may be influenced by his health status and recovery progress.