The Utah Jazz are off to a better start than most expected at 3-4 and are coming off an impressive win over the Boston Celtics as Walker Kessler did not play. However, Kessler’s latest injury could be more serious than we thought.
Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune revealed that Kessler is getting multiple opinions on his recent shoulder injury, including that he could be out longer than many thought.
Soon I hope. He’s getting mixed opinions, but it’s possible this is a long-term injury. We’ll see what the doctors say. https://t.co/ioJ3dcB0hN
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 4, 2025
This is bad news for both the Jazz and Kessler, as this season was about seeing how much further Kessler could rise. He started the season fantastic and showed that there was more to his game than protecting the rim and rebounding.
Adding three-point shooting and passing could add another zero to his extension, but if he’s out for a while that could pose a problem in extension talks. This is a do-or-die situation for Kessler’s long-term spot with the Jazz. A long-term injury could ruin everything, as the Jazz might move him too low, which could lead to some uncertainty between the two sides.
Kessler already said he was frustrated about not getting an extension this summer. Utah better prepare for what may come if he’s coming off an injury-plagued season and still doesn’t want to lower his price in the slightest.
The general consensus is that the Jazz want to keep Kessler, but if he’s out for a while, that could be a problem for both his next contract and the way things go this season.
It’s a bad turn of fate, but not the worst
The Jazz would obviously prefer Kessler to play, but with him out, they increase their chances of getting a better pick. That’s good, and not just because this class is loaded with talent, but also because the Jazz owe the Thunder a protected top-eight pick this year.
The Jazz weren’t necessarily good, but rather mediocre to start this season. Kessler’s absence could open the door to more losses as his skills contribute to winning basketball. Utah assured fans that what happened last season wouldn’t happen again, so this would be the team’s chance to have its cake and eat it too.
Utah is better with Kessler around, so it’s a shame this had to happen just because he’s in a contract year, but the team now knows he’s a goalie and he hasn’t shown himself to be injury-prone. His absence could leave them at the bottom of the table, and he could still get the money he wants. That is, as long as he and the Jazz front office can meet in the middle.
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