Jazz center Walker Kessler out for season after shoulder surgery

Walker Kessler, the Utah Jazz’s starting center, will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season after undergoing surgery Thursday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the team announced Wednesday. The procedure was scheduled to be performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and the Jazz said Kessler will begin a prolonged rehabilitation program following the operation.

Kessler first experienced shoulder trouble in training camp and missed multiple preseason games with bursitis. He returned for the regular season but was sent back to Salt Lake City for further evaluation after Utah’s Oct. 31 game against the Phoenix Suns. Team officials and people familiar with the situation confirmed the diagnosis of a torn labrum, which was aggravated during the preseason and again in late October, and ruled him out for the season.

The 24-year-old played in five regular-season games this year, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while expanding his perimeter shooting. He had been one of the league’s most effective rim protectors and offensive rebounders, and his early production included several three-point attempts as he...