Walker Kessler appears to be unleashing a skill that should scare the NBA

Walker Kessler made his long-awaited preseason debut for the Utah Jazz last night and he did not disappoint. Not only did he post a double-double, but Kessler also showed off a new skill that the rest of the NBA should take notice of: his passing ability.

The Jazz center finished with eight assists against the Portland Trail Blazers, which, had it been in the regular season, would have been a career high. Adding that to his other contributions, Kessler really impressed Portland.

However, the death is new, because until last night he had not really shown it. The most he has ever had in a game is six assists, and he has only surpassed five assists five times in his three-year NBA career. If Kessler taps into a whole new facet of his game through his play, that makes both him and the Jazz even scarier.

Kessler will probably never be a top scorer, but last year he proved himself to be one of the NBA’s absolute best offensive rebounders. If he proves he can also be one of the best playmaking big men in the league, it could strengthen Will Hardy and co. to trust him when closing lineups.

This could also add some extra money to its price tag

As everyone and their mother knows by now, the Jazz decided not to extend Kessler this offseason, which is good for them economically but has clearly frustrated Kessler. If he takes it a step further by showing he can pass the rock, that could increase his price tag next summer.

Utah decided not to extend Kessler solely because waiting until next offseason gives them the opportunity to re-sign him while also being a cap space team. However, if Kessler proves that his play is positive for the team, that strategy could backfire on them as it could lead to him wanting more money.

At the same time, is that the worst fate in the world for Utah? Kessler has a chip on his shoulder again This season, so if he proves he has another gear in his game, that’s good news for the Jazz, even if it adds an extra zero to his next contract. Utah has the flexibility to give him the deal he wants, so even if he demands more this summer, the Jazz don’t have to play hardball.

If Kessler goes the Ivica Zubac route, but even faster, the Jazz should feel fantastic about their long-term prospects. Let’s hope that as they approach his contract situation next summer, there won’t be any issues.