Walker Ross Kessler, born on July 26, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American professional basketball player who plays as a centre for the Utah Jazz and is one of the most elite shot blockers in the NBA. He is 24 years old, stands at 7 feet 2 inches, and signed a four-year, $130 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2026 after an injury-interrupted season.
Walker Kessler Profile
| Name | Walker Kessler |
| Real Name | Walker Ross Kessler |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 2001 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | An American professional basketball player |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Copied from | content101.com |
Educational Background
Walker Kessler attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, where he averaged 17.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks in his senior season, leading his team to its first Class 4A state title and earning McDonald’s All-American honours.
He committed to the University of North Carolina before transferring to Auburn, where he set the school’s single-season block record, led the nation in blocks, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a Third Team All-American in 2022.
Career
Walker Kessler was selected 22nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies and immediately traded to the Utah Jazz. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier interior defenders. In March 2025, he posted a career-high 25 rebounds alongside 18 points and eight blocks against the Toronto Raptors.
His 2025-26 season was cut short after just five games when he underwent season-ending left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, finishing with averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. As a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026, he attracted interest from the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Los Angeles Lakers, with the Lakers ultimately winning the bidding with a four-year, $130 million offer that the Jazz did not match.
Controversies
Walker Kessler’s most current controversy involves his restricted free agency process, with reports from RealGM indicating he expressed frustration with the Utah Jazz over how they handled negotiations, feeling the process was unnecessarily prolonged. The Jazz publicly stated they were determined to re-sign him before ultimately deciding not to match the Lakers’ offer. Beyond that, no personal scandal has attached itself to his name.
Walker Kessler Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/kidkessler?igsh=dmN2Mm5zaXY1OHMx
Personal Life
Walker Ross Kessler was born on July 26, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, making him 24 years old. His father, Chad Kessler, and his uncle, Alec Kessler, both played college basketball at Georgia and were drafted into the NBA before becoming an orthopedic surgeon and a coach respectively. He grew up in College Park, Georgia, and his family’s basketball background gave him an early understanding of both the opportunity and demands of professional sport.
Walker Kessler Net Worth
Walker Kessler’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million.