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The Utah Jazz started their season relatively strong, achieving a 3-4 record in their first seven games. While it’s still super early, that puts the team in the top 10 of the Western Conference standings, which is significant as they move towards a potential postseason or play-in spot next year. They feature a talented roster that includes a big three of players who aren’t necessarily household names: Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler. They are the team’s top three scorers, and the only three averaging double digits as of this report. Unfortunately, they received some unfortunate news regarding Kessler. On Wednesday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Kessler’s season is over due to an injury that will require season-ending surgery. Read more: Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Makes Feelings Clear on Franchise After Pistons Loss SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 27: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a game against the Houston Rockets at Delta Center on March 27, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) According to Charania’s sources, Kessler will undergo shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, officially ending his season. The former first-round pick out of Auburn missed three NBA preseason games due to shoulder bursitis before getting cleared to return for the regular season. However, after playing in his team’s first five games of the season, Kessler returned to the Jazz injury report for shoulder bursitis, causing him to miss the team’s Sunday game against the Charlotte Hornets. Breaking: Utah's Walker Kessler is undergoing season-ending left shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, sources tell @ShamsCharania.Get breaking news alerts from Shams Charania through the ESPN App: https://t.co/QEjDpr2WVy pic.twitter.com/79lzQetsDB— ESPN (@espn) November 5, 2025 While Markannen leads the team with 31.1 points per game, and George leads with 8.1 assists per game, Kessler’s 10.8 rebounds per game led the Jazz. Additionally, Kessler led the team with 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game for solid contributions. Last season was an injury-plagued campaign for Utah’s big man, who played in just 58 games. Hip and shoulder injuries kept him out at various points in the team’s season. In addition to his other stats, he averaged 14.4 points and three assists per game for the Jazz. The team has Jusuf Nurkic and Kyle Filipowski available in Kessler’s absence for what could be another tough season in Utah. Additionally, Kessler becomes a restricted free agent next summer, with his current team having the right to match offers from other teams. Read more: Lakers’ Jake LaRavia Gets Brutally Honest About Anthony Edwards Jab For more about the Utah Jazz and the NBA, visit Newsweek Sports.
