SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz suffered a significant setback when the team announced that center Walker Kessler would miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum.

Although the Jazz weren’t expected to contend for a playoff spot this year, losing a full season of development for Kessler and his teammates represents a clear step backward for the franchise.

Related: Walker Kessler to miss remainder of 2025-26 season

Can the Jazz Replace Walker Kessler?

Head coach Will Hardy entered the season focused on improving the team’s defense, which ranked last in the NBA for the past two years.

Without Kessler—one of the league’s top shot blockers—the Jazz must rely on aging veterans Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love. Neither player possesses the mobility to protect the rim or replicate Kessler’s

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