OKC Thunder offseason acquisition Isaiah Hartensetein sustained a "small, non-displaced" fracture in his left hand during their preseason game against the Denver Nuggets this past Tuesday. It will reportedly not require surgery, though the big is expected to be out until late November to early December.
In other words, that’s roughly 20 percent of the regular season!
Oklahoma City’s center depth was already barren enough with Jaylin Williams nursing a hamstring strain. Now, with the recent I-Hart update, the ball club's frontcourt situation has become even more complicated.
With the regular season right around the corner, should Sam Presti pick up the phone and try to secure an outsourced center via trade to gain injury insurance and protect Chet Holmgren from a monster workload, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler should undoubtedly be seen as a wise target to pursue.
Thunder must target Jazz center Walker Kessler after Hartenstein injury
Kessler is a superb rim protector who, per Basketball Index, finished second in blocks per 75 possessions and rim points saved per 75 possessions last season.
Walker Kessler sends Jazz-Thunder to OT with this CLUTCH block 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) February 24, 2023
Watch: https://t.co/0rrSPxOHD0 pic.twitter.com/xPQAvAFYYS
The Auburn product is truly elite at timing his contests and altering shots with both hands. Though he may not be the most mobile defender, Kessler has his bright moments when defending in space.
Acquiring him would provide OKC's already scary defense with yet another quality chess piece.
The 7-footer is a sturdy presence on the glass who can help fix OKC’s rebounding issues both while Isaiah Hartenstein is out and when he returns to the hardwood, as he ranked 18th in rebounds per 75 possessions in 2023-24.
Offensively, Kessler lacks shooting range, struggles at the free throw line, and doesn’t act as a playmaking hub. These flaws are significant and explain why he is best suited as a backup center during the playoffs instead of a starter.
However, what he lacks in flair he makes up with brute force, as the 23-year-old can make an impact as a screener and roller.
Overall, the Thunder have the roster to navigate his offensive flaws, while his defensive and rebounding strengths are most welcome.
Frankly, pursuing a move for a guy like Walker Kessler boils down to one essential question: What is Utah's asking price?
Danny Ainge shopped the 2022 first-rounder all summer long, but his alleged asking price of two first-rounders deterred any possible suitors.
Presti may not have to pay this specific price though.
The Thunder are a premier contender and must not part with helpful veterans. Their rookies ooze potential, so trading them is a nonstarter. That leaves one player left – Ousmane Dieng.
The former lottery pick entered the league as a project player, and he’s still struggling to find his role.
Utah is a great destination for him because they are not focused on trying to win this season. They can give him semi-consistent minutes along with a much longer leash and see if there’s a viable future for the 21-year-old in Salt Lake City.
Along with Dieng, the Thunder can send Utah their protected 2025 first round pick in the exchange.
Though perhaps not their coveted two first-round picks, this proposal could still be seen as a win-win deal.
The Thunder snag a great backup center who protects the rim, rebounds well, and adds size. Plus, Kessler is set to earn just $7.8 million total across the next two seasons, which makes him dirt cheap during Oklahoma City's prime championship window.
Utah, meanwhile, gets their first round pick back and a swing at the upcoming prospect plate.
It’s a theoretical overpay from the Thunder’s perspective, but OKC is competing for a title now. Championship equity weighs more than even trade value in a vacuum.
This scenario is exactly why Presti hoarded draft capital in the first place, for he can now burn picks to shape the roster and build a championship juggernaut.