Overview
- The Jazz announced Wednesday that Walker Kessler has a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will undergo season-ending surgery Thursday in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
- Kessler opened 2025–26 strongly, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and shooting 70.3% from the field over five games.
- Head coach Will Hardy acknowledged Utah must adjust on the boards and defensively without its primary rim protector.
- The left shoulder had bothered Kessler since January and flared again in preseason; after the Oct. 31 game in Phoenix he was sent for evaluation that confirmed the labrum tear.
- Utah declined a rookie extension before the season, positioning Kessler to enter restricted free agency in summer 2026 while completing his rehab.