By rssfeeds-admin Kessler, the Jazz best rim protector, will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a left shoulder labral tear on Thursday. The procedure will be performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Kessler played in just five games this season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, while shooting 70.3 percent from the field. His last game came Friday in Phoenix, where he scored four points in 29 minutes.
The Jazz declined to sign Kessler to a long-term extension this summer. Kessler is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season when his rookie contract expires. He was hoping to command a total salary package worth in excess of $100 million.
Now in his fourth season with the Jazz, the former first round pick from Auburn averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Last season, Kessler led the entire NBA in blocked shots with 2.4 per contest, and was fifth in the league at 12.2 rebounds per game.
Kyle Filipowski and Jusuf Nurkic are expected to see more playing time in Kessler’s absence.
The Jazz (3-4) play Detroit tonight at 5:00 p.m.
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