Jazz Rookie Walker Kessler Signs With Adidas
Dec 15, 2022, 1:17 PM
Utah Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler has signed an endorsement deal with megabrand Adidas.
On Thursday, Kessler shared out his first post endorsing Adidas after a breakout start to his career with the Jazz.
“This is just the beginning,” Kessler tweeted. “Excited to announce I have joined the @adidasbasketball family for the next chapter of my career.”
View this post on Instagram
Adidas announced several new deals on Thursday with the top rookies from the 2022 NBA Draft class.
In addition to Kessler, Adidas revealed partnerships with Benn Mathurin, Keegan Murray, Jabari Smith, Nikola Jovic, MarJon Beauchamp, Ousmane Dieng, Johnny Davis, Dalen Terry, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Mobley, and Blake Wesley.
Kessler was the 22nd overall pick in June’s draft but was traded twice before beginning his NBA career. The Auburn product was originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies, but traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night.
In July, Kessler was redirected to the Jazz as part of a trade package for Rudy Gobert.
Kessler Catching Momentum With Jazz
Kessler is coming into his own as a member of the Jazz, proving to be one of the most impactful rookies in the NBA this season.
Over the last six games, the seven-footer is averaging 10.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 75 percent from the field.
Walker Kessler began his NBA career with a bang.
But over his last 10 games, he's proven the sky is the limit, and the best is yet to come for the @utahjazz. #TakeNotehttps://t.co/HZiNkIfEH5
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 8, 2022
Kessler has posted four double-digit scoring outings over the stretch, including three double-doubles.
Despite coming off the bench and averaging just 16.8 minutes per game, Kessler is the seventh-leading shot blocker in the NBA at 1.9 per game.
Kessler ranks fourth in rebounds per game among all rookies despite playing 150 fewer minutes than the three first-year players ahead of him.
Kessler Made History In Jazz Debut
Kessler opened the season with a bang for the Jazz, making history in his rookie debut.
The first-year big man recorded a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while shooting a perfect 5-5 from the floor against the Denver Nuggets.
Kessler is the only player in NBA history to record a double-double while shooting 100 percent from the floor in their first NBA game.
