Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler has emerged as a formidable rim protector, ranking among the league's best in defensive field-goal percentage near the basket. His impact has been significant, with opponents shooting worse from close range when he is on the floor.
Following a four-block performance in the Lakers' victory over the Kings on Wednesday, Kessler found himself third in the league in blocked shots per game heading into Thursday. This statistic came as a surprise to the 7-foot-2 center.
"Third? I know [Victor Wembanyama’s] ahead of me," Kessler said. "Who else is ahead of me? But it’s crazy. I thought I was at least No. 2 That’s crazy."
Wembanyama, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, leads the league with an average of 4.5 blocks per game. The only other player averaging more blocks than Kessler is Milwaukee Bucks big man Myles Turner, who entered Thursday averaging 2.8 blocks per game, just ahead of Kessler's 2.7.
Kessler has accumulated 24 blocked shots over nine games played, while Turner has 22 in eight games. Kessler's higher total is attributed to playing one more game than Turner.
While challenging Wembanyama for the league lead in blocks per game seems unlikely for Kessler, the competition for the second spot is shaping up to be a notable storyline for the season.