DENIED - Utah Jazz will NOT extend Walker Kessler | Can Kessler BECOME top 10 Center in the NBA?
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the Utah Jazz’s decision to pass on a rookie extension for Walker Kessler—framing it as a calculated team-building move rather than an indictment of Kessler’s value or future with the franchise. Locke lays out the salary cap ramifications, emphasizes the flexibility restricted free agency affords the Jazz, and ponders whether this signals a broader organizational approach to center spending after moving on from Rudy Gobert. The episode sparks a debate around Kessler’s ceiling, with Ben Anderson predicting he could rise into the NBA’s top five centers—a claim Locke challenges by ranking the contemporary center landscape and considering what a true leap for Kessler would mean.
Locked On Jazz - Daily Podcast On The Utah Jazz
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (dts.podtrac.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Another jam-packed episode of Locked On Jazz just dropped, and you won't want to miss the hot takes and expert breakdowns from host David Locke and guest Ben Anderson of KSL Sports.
This episode dives right into the big news: Walker Kessler didn't get his extension — but what does it really mean for his role, the team's future cap space, and how the Jazz are building their next core?
Here's what you’ll find inside this episode:
The Walker Kessler Extension Decision David explains the “simple math” behind why the Jazz said no to an extension for Kessler — it all comes down to smart cap management and leaving the door open for Kessler’s next deal. Spoiler: This isn’t a sign the Jazz are moving on from Kessler, but it does echo the front office’s long-term approach that once saw Rudy Gobert moved.
Can Walker Kessler Actually Be a Top 5 Center? Ben makes his bold "Anderson Awesome Prediction" that Walker could ascend to a top 5 NBA center. David pushes back: According to ESPN, Kessler is ranked 98th overall and just the 24th center. What needs to happen for him to reach Jared Allen or Myles Turner territory? The debate is on.
Projecting the Starting Five Who starts for Utah this year? Ben and David walk through every possibility — Lowry and Walker are locks, but after that, it's wide open. Names like Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Walter Clayton Jr., and even Bryce Sensabaugh are in the mix. Is it time to start two rookies? Will that create locker room tensions? The duo breaks down every scenario.
Young Players' Development Paths A deep dive into what realistic improvements young players like Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Kyle Filipowski can expect — and what it’ll take for each to become meaningful rotation players. Ben is especially high on Bryce Sensabaugh’s shooting and Walter Clayton’s mature, all-around game.
Your Questions Coming Soon Locke teases a fan-favorite: Friday 'Ask LOJ.' If you want your Jazz questions answered on the air, be sure to submit them!
Quote of the Episode:
"If you have Lowry Markkanen, you have to have a distributor at point guard—and maybe that's Clayton." – Ben Anderson
Don’t Miss:
David’s inside info on how the Jazz view Keonte George’s progress and role this season
Ben’s case for why Bryce Sensabaugh could be one of the NBA’s elite shooters
The ongoing debate: Who, among the young core, will survive into the Jazz’s next playoff rotation?
You can listen for free on all podcast platforms, or check out the episode on YouTube!
Thanks for being part of the Locked On Jazz community — we couldn’t do it without you.
P.S. Don’t forget to send in those mailbag questions for Friday’s show!
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGY
Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today.
SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Mens at SKIMS.com/lockedonnba. Let them know we sent you! After you place your order, select "podcast" in the survey and select our show in the dropdown menu that follows.
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year
FanDuel
Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.