CHGO Bulls 2022 NBA Draft Profiles: Walker Kessler

We’re only a few days out from the 2022 NBA Draft and CHGO is examining prospects who could be in the Chicago Bulls range with their 18th pick. Let’s look into Auburn center Walker Kessler’s NBA Draft profile:

• Age on Draft night: 20.9
• Measurables: HT: 7’1 | WS: 7’4.25
• Auburn: 11.4 pts | 8.1 reb | 4.6 blks | 1.1 stls
• Shooting splits: 60.8 FG% | 20.0 3P% | 59.6 FT%
• Projected range: Late 20s to early thirties

Here are my notes, including strengths, weaknesses or question marks, and potential fit with the Bulls should they take him at 18.

Strengths

Blocking. Lots. Of. Shots. LOTS.

• Highest block rate since 2009/10 at 19.05 holy cannoli
• Blocks with both hands
• Great timing, patience and verticality
• Length allows him to block shots while vertical
• Good timing 
• Can stay 1-2 slides on drives
• Will be very good at deterring shots at the rim and forcing in between shots in pick-and-roll drop coverage

Pick-and-roll dive man

• Will be an effective lob threat in pick-and-roll
• Not fast, but dives hard and deliberately
• Some pick-and-pop potential? OK looking shot form, (10/50) on threes in college.

Question marks and weaknesses

Defense

• Can shuffle a bit, but not going to be able to hedge, blitz, double, switch at all at NBA level
• Showed the ability to contest step-back 3s in college, but not sure that translates with the line being further away in the NBA. More space and shiftier guards will be tough for him.
• Will be targeted in pick-and-roll and played off the floor in most games

Role and potential fit with Bulls

If you’re a Bulls fan that has been clamoring for a center who protects the rim, but doesn’t want to give up anything to get one, Walker Kessler is your guy!

He’d be a reach with the 18th pick to be sure, but there’s a chance the Bulls could slide back in the draft or buy into the second round to take him if they so choose.

Kessler is truly a superstar rim protector, but he has very limited mobility and thus, limited potential to defend in space. Unless he literally becomes Rudy Gobert, he will top out as a 12 -18 minute per game backup who can give you a change of pace.

But do the Bulls need another lumbering big who limits your defensive versatility and doesn’t provide any offense?

Here’s our video breakdown from our CHGO YouTube channel (which you should subscribe to)