The Utah Jazz announced that center Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The 24-year-old underwent season-ending surgery on November 6 in Los Angeles. Kessler had been averaging career-high numbers before the injury sidelined him after five games.
The Utah Jazz received disappointing news on November 5, 2025, when the team revealed that center Walker Kessler requires surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, ending his season. Kessler, who played in the Jazz's first five regular-season games, left the team during a road trip for further tests and missed the subsequent two contests, initially diagnosed as shoulder bursitis. He also sat out much of the preseason due to a related left shoulder issue.
Prior to the injury, Kessler posted career-best averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, and nearly two blocks per game. The 7-footer was a key part of Utah's jumbo lineup alongside Lauri Markkanen and Kyle Filipowski, all 7-footers, which produced a net rating of +22.1 over five games. The Jazz started the season 3-4, with victories over the Clippers, Celtics, and Suns.
Kessler is in the final year of his rookie contract and enters restricted free agency next summer after extension talks with the Jazz fell apart in the offseason. On media day in October, Kessler expressed frustration but affirmed his commitment, stating he was "a little frustrated" yet loved being in Utah and would "play winning basketball" as a Jazz member. The injury, to be repaired by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, introduces uncertainty to his future earnings and eliminates any trade speculation, despite prior interest from other teams.
While the loss hurts Utah's rim protection and Kessler's offensive growth, it may aid their 2026 draft position. The Jazz hold the 13th-best lottery odds, with their top-8 protected pick owed to the Thunder from a 2021 Derrick Favors trade, plus swap rights with Minnesota or Cleveland. In a loaded 2026 draft, poorer performance could help Utah retain control of their selection.