Most basketball players love getting into the gym and working on their game. Even in the offseason, they enjoy the routine and repetition of being on a court and going through drills and getting up hundreds of shots. But Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy knew that the directive he gave Walker Kessler and Taylor Hendricks for the summer was not going to be the most exciting thing in the world.
Sure, they were also going to work on their skills, but the top priority was clear — hit the weights and get stronger. Period.
“The work that he did this summer is not fun,” Hardy said. “All the young players working on their body, that’s not fun, and it takes a lot of dedication and effort and sacrifice. And Walker did those things.”
The third-year center said he finished the 2023-24 season weighing roughly 253 pounds and that he’s coming into the 2024-25 season weighing 272, which is a significant difference. But the weight room is not the only place that Kessler did a lot of work.
Kessler said that he’s also working with a mental strength coach and that he’s pushing himself to focus on gratitude and positive thoughts rather than zeroing in on negative thoughts and trying to be a perfectionist.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) gets behind Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) for a dunk as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah’s head coach Will Hardy calls out instructions as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Jazz Bear applauds during team introductions as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah’s head coach Will Hardy watches as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Jazz head coach Will Hardy watches as Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) guards Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is called for a foul on Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) is defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz dancers perform during a timeout as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) intercepts a pass intended for Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) passes the ball away as he wrestles with Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) is fouled by Utah Jazz guard Patty Mills (8) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy makes a face as he and Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) talk along the sideline as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) gestures after a call as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) talks with Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) during a free throw as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz dancers perform during a timeout as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) defends Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) at the hoop as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz inflatable Bear entertains fans during a timeout as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) dunks the ball as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) defends Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) defends Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) defends Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) blocks Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) goes up for a block on Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forwards John Collins (20), Brice Sensabaugh (28) and Taylor Hendricks (0) watch from the bench as the Jazz fall behind in the first half of play as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) loses the ball after trying to drive between Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0), Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) has the ball stripped and is fouled as he tries to drive between Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Jazz fans cheer as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks over Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy yells and points during the game as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) passes around the defense of Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) under the hoop as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Patty Mills (8) looks to pass around Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) tries to disrupt an attempt by Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) floats up a shot as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) defends Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guards Collin Sexton (2) and Keyonte George (3) watch a free throw from downcourt as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy eyes the game from the sideline as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) pushes up a shot over Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) takes the ball back up and in between Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) takes the ball back up and in between Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) takes the ball back up and in ahead of Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) falls to the floor after being fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) falls to the floor after being fouled by Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) draws a foul on Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) drives on Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) tangle up as they grapple for the ball as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) chase after the ball as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) stands just past half court as the Grizzlies inbound the ball as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) tries to defend Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies center Jay Huff (30) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) gang up on Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) on a free throw as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) cheers in the last few seconds of the game as the Utah Jazz open the 2024-25 season against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Memphis won 126-124. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News “It’s been helping a lot,” Kessler said. “Just taking a step back and realizing that you’re in an unbelievable opportunity. Looking at your 11-year-old self and saying, ‘Hey, you’re gonna play in the NBA one day.’ So an attitude of gratitude and just being thankful for it.”
The result of all the work is that Kessler comes into his third season feeling like he’s allowed himself to fall back in love with basketball, that he’s found joy in transforming his body and that he wants to play free and hard and find more areas to improve.
Of course, all of the feelings and muscle gain are a good start, but seeing it all pay off is in an actual NBA game is something completely different. Well, how’s 16 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, one steal and one assist? That was Kessler’s statline from the Jazz’s opening night 126-124 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
But even more important, Kessler was playing with a toughness and physicality that he was not playing with last season. He was rebounding and fighting for position in a way that we haven’t seen from him and displaying a strength with the ball in his hands that is completely new.
“It’s great for him to have this game on opening night, because it shows him that the work is paying off,” Hardy said. “Now the work has to continue. But he’s found, or re-found, some of that childish joy that we saw from Walker very early in his time here.”
Kessler’s success as a rookie and the struggles he had during his second season have been well documented and analyzed widely, and for good reason. This season is going to be hugely important for Kessler and it could very well defining for how the rest of his career plays out. He has to be able to prove that he can play with the skill and freedom that was on display during his rookie campaign, but with the strength, toughness and confidence that he was very clearly lacking last year.
And, in the Jazz’s opening game of the 2024-25 season, despite the final score, Kessler proved that he has taken a step in the right direction.