Walker Kessler explains how Jabari Smith prepared him for NBA, compares him to Karl-Anthony Towns

Former Auburn center Walker Kessler has had an interesting first week in the NBA. On June 23rd, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him 22nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. A week later, he’s on his way to Utah as a piece in a blockbuster trade for All-Star Rudy Gobert.

Although he has already seen the business side of the game once already over eight days as a pro, Kessler says he’s prepared for the NBA level because of his former Tiger teammate Jabari Smith. In his introductory press conference, he said playing alongside the No. 3 pick in the draft has him ready to play in two-big lineups.

“As far as playing with another big, I think in that system I can thrive,” said Kessler. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Kessler averaged 11.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and an NCAA high 4.6 blocks in 34 games last season. It was a breakout year after a below average freshman season at North Carolina. Next to Kessler in the front court was Smith who averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 boards in his one season of college basketball. Together, the duo was one of the best pairs in all of college basketball.

After watching him for a year, Kessler says Smith reminded him of his almost-teammate Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns was a similar player to Smith during his lone season at Kentucky before being selected No. 1 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. Kessler reassured Houston that the Rockets have quite the talent joining their franchise.

“Going to Auburn I obviously played with a pretty decent big in Jabari Smith,” Kessler said. “(He has) a similar game as far as perimeter wise (like) KAT. He is obviously a super skilled big.”

The Tigers dynamic duo have now gone their separate ways in the NBA. From here, Smith will make his pro debut on July 7th in the NBA Summer League. Once the Gobert trade is finalized, Walker Kessler’s first opportunity to play could come July 5th when the Jazz host their own Summer League.