Many players who participate in the NBA Rising Stars Game leave a mark on NBA history, and the Utah Jazz are expected to be one of them. The Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis will feature rookie Keyonte George and sophomore center Walker Kessler. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers’ home arena, will host the game on Friday, February 16, at 7 p.m. MT.
NBA News: Jazz’s Kessler and George Added to NBA Rising Stars
What Can We Expect From Kessler in the Upcoming Game?
The Jazz have selected George and Kessler as the 15th and 16th members to participate in the Rising Stars Game.
Blocking his way to Indy 🤠
Walker Kessler has been selected as a 2024 Rising Star 💫#TakeNote | @withtravelpass pic.twitter.com/j2cKsUOMvu
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 30, 2024
Many are already familiar with Kessler, who was part of the rookie team last season in the Rising Stars game and attained All-Rookie honors for the 2022-23 regular season. He also closed the season with averages of 11.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks across 40 games he started.
Kessler had a promising start to this year, representing Team USA at the FIBA World Cup before an elbow injury in the opening matchup of the season. However, that didn’t deter him. He bounced back upon returning in late November.
He stands out as one of the league’s top shot-blockers, averaging 8.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, alongside an impressive 65.4% field goal rate. Kessler will be back for the second year in a row, again representing the Jazz, but this time with an even more impressive performance than ever.
Can We Expect Big Things From Rookie George This Year?
Rookies often have to go through learning curves to attain more physicality and subtlety in the professional basketball game. Some rookies initially struggle to adapt to the association’s demands and find their footing. That didn’t stop George from being one of the league’s most efficient rookies for the Jazz this season.
𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐊𝐄𝐘 🔑
Keyonte George is headed to Indy as a 2024 Rising Star 💫 #TakeNote | @withtravelpass pic.twitter.com/8VXXgKDXBF
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 30, 2024
George’s exceptional performance in the Summer League earned him a spot on the All-Summer League First Team. The 16th overall pick recorded impressive numbers of 29.5 points and 8.5 assists over two games in Las Vegas. Further, he showcased steady performance with averages of 15.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game across three games in Salt Lake City.
Whether seasoned or newcomers on the court, players face their biggest nemesis, much like George did when he encountered a foot injury during the December 13th game against the New York Knicks. Though he attempted to play through the pain, he eventually left the court limping and needed to go on hiatus.
George had recorded some games of 15+ points before getting injured. He only scored four points on subpar shooting in his second match back from the injury. Still, he left his mark by providing five assists. It was in his third game that he finally got back on track.
The following game, he made five out of eight three-point attempts in under half an hour, scoring 21 points with a striking 60% shooting accuracy. This game lifted George’s season average to 11.0 points per game. He now ranks sixth among rookies in scoring for the year.
George’s first year in the league is moving forward without a hitch. Considering his dependable output and the wins he brought to the team during his rookie year, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to excel and represent the Jazz capably.
