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SEC Basketball 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Auburn C Walker Kessler

By Matt Melton

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 08: Walker Kessler #3 of the Auburn Tigers jogs down the court during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 08, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 80-76. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 08: Walker Kessler #3 of the Auburn Tigers jogs down the court during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 08, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Tigers 80-76. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Not only is defending SEC Basketball regular season champion Auburn set to have the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but the Tigers will also potentially have another name selected in the first round in center Walker Kessler.

The 2021-22 SEC Basketball Defensive Player of the Year, Kessler is an intriguing prospect in this year’s draft, one who’s draft stock has risen substantially over the last calendar year. With some potential unknown’s on how his game will translate to the NBA however, will the Auburn center go in the first round, or could he slide into the second round?

SEC Basketball 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Auburn C Walker Kessler

A former five-star prospect in the Class of 2020, Kessler originally committed to North Carolina out of high school, and would spend one season with the Tar Heels in 2020-21. Averaging 4.4 PPG and 3.2 RPG, Kessler would appear in a total of 29 games as a freshman at North Carolina averaging only 8.8 MPG, and would enter the transfer portal at seasons end before then committing to Auburn last offseason.

One of SEC Basketball’s top transfers last offseason, Kessler would enjoy a massive breakout sophomore campaign with the Tigers, averaging 11.4 PPG and 8.1 RPG on 60.8% shooting, while also tying for the national lead with 4.6 BPG. Because of this success, Kessler would receive multiple honors at seasons end that included both National and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC, and SEC All-Defense.

A special breakout season altogether for the former five-star, Kessler’s draft stock clearly rose this  past year, with the Auburn center now potentially set to go in the first round. If that does happen as well, at which pick could Kessler hear his name called?

Strengths

At 7-foot-1, undoubtedly Kessler’s biggest strength is his interior defense. One of college basketball’s top shot blockers a year ago, the former five-star has the size and athleticism to give almost anyone trouble inside defensively, something that should easily translate to the professional game.

On offense, Kessler’s size is once again a strength for the 7-foot-1 center. Having shot 60.8% from the field this past season, Kessler excels at finishing around the rim, and is also tough to contain on both the offensive and defensive glass.

How He Projects in NBA

As mentioned previously, how Kessler’s game will translate to the NBA is a possible unknown, solely through the fact that the Auburn standout is not the biggest threat to extend the floor offensively (20.4% career three-point shooter, 57.7% career free throw shooter). However, Kessler’s interior defense will 100% translate from day one, and the former five-star should be an instant-impact defender at the least.

Potential Draft Fits

It is unlikely that Kessler will be a lottery pick in this year’s draft, with potentially the earliest that the Auburn center comes off the board likely somewhere around the early-20’s. As for the pick range to watch for with Kessler, anywhere from 20-30 is likely, with the former five-star not falling very far if he were to make it to the second round.

Next. SEC 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Jabari Smith. dark

Draft Prediction

Kessler will be selected in the late first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, somewhere between picks 25-30.

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