Walker Kessler, former Auburn standout, makes Utah Jazz rookie history

Walker Kessler made history as a rookie for the Utah Jazz on Monday. The Jazz beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-125 on the road.

The Auburn product finished the game with 20 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kessler is now the only Utah rookie in franchise history have a 20-point, 20-rebound game.

? Walker is the first Jazz rookie to have a 20-point/20-rebound game ?#TakeNote | @WalkerKessler13 pic.twitter.com/tBHXV90Kgy

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 16, 2023

Walker Kessler is the first rookie in Jazz franchise history to record 20+ PTS and 20+ REB in a game.

He's also the first rookie to drop 20+ PTS and 20+ REB on 65%+ shooting since 1993. pic.twitter.com/KswOeUU1xD

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 16, 2023

Kessler was originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in first round of the 2022 NBA Draft before getting traded to the Timberwolves, and then to the Jazz on draft night. Kessler has played in 43 games for Utah this season and averages 7.2 points per game.

The Jazz received Malik Beasley, Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverly, and multiple first-round picks for Rudy Gobert in the trade. Utah also traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the offseason as well.

It’ll be interesting to see how far Kessler rides this hot stretch of play. The Jazz are 23-24 on the year with a home matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers up next.