The Utah Jazz now have the second fewest wins in the NBA. They recently started sending their rookies to the G-League to get more playing time and give the veterans more minutes, and despite all that, they have remained poor.

Despite the poor record, there were some bright spots for the Jazz. One of them was Walker Kessler’s bounce-back season.

Overall rating:

Record: 5-18

Last week: 1-3, losses to Lakers, Thunder, Kings, win vs. Blazers.

Placements: 14th in the Western Conference, 27th in the NBA, 3rd in the lottery

Team ranks:

• Net Rating: 27
• Offensive Rating: 25
• Defensive rating: 29
• Points per game: 23
• Assists per game: 22
• Sales per game: 1st (mostly)

Walker Kessler is BACK

Kessler’s disappointing second season sparked much speculation about his future and even his name appeared in trade rumors. So far, his third season has provided calm. The young center is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and field goal percentage. His 3.0 blocks per game is second in the NBA, behind only Victor Wembenyama. He is averaging a double-double and shooting 73% from the field.

While the numbers are great, the biggest change for Kessler has been his confidence. There were times last season when he seemed shy. That didn’t happen this year. He attacks the basket more often. He’s taking more shots than ever before. He even got his first technical foul. Walker Kessler is back with great success.