Overview
- The Jazz announced Kessler will miss the 2025–26 season after tests confirmed a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
- Dr. Neal ElAttrache is scheduled to perform the surgery on Thursday in Los Angeles.
- Kessler appeared in five games this season, averaging about 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds while anchoring Utah’s rim protection and offensive glass work.
- Team reports trace the issue back to a January shoulder contusion and preseason bursitis, with further evaluation ordered after the Oct. 31 game in Phoenix.
- With Kessler sidelined, Utah is elevating Jusuf Nurkic to larger minutes and expects increased roles for Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks, as contract decisions await in 2026 restricted free agency.