While we may be in the middle of the NBA season, it’s never too early to look ahead to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, and it seems the Utah Jazz have the chance to get one of their members a spot on Team USA.
After being a part of the FIBA World Cup for the USA this past summer, Jazz center Walker Kessler could have another opportunity to represent the country in this summer's Olympics. Kessler was among the 41-player pool that will be used to determine who will be suiting up for the team in 2024.
Kessler joins some elite company, with all-time greats like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and more also listed within the pool, selected by the Team USA managing director, Grant Hill.
Once the NBA season comes to a close, this 41-player pool will be slimmed down to a narrow 12 spots. It is a bit too early to tell if Kessler will eventually get the nod, but the bid is at least there. His appearance on the FIBA squad last summer could ultimately help him during the selection process despite their shortcomings.
Considering the collection of players to select from, though, it could ultimately be an uphill battle to climb. Of those 41 players, 24 have earned an All-Star selection during their NBA career, as well as 23 of them former gold medalists. Of course, nothing’s out of the question, but it’s some steep competition for Walker to be up against.
During his sophomore campaign this NBA season, Kessler has averaged 8.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in 24 minutes a night. He was a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2023 for the Jazz and has continued to show positive flashes this season as an anchor for the second unit.
This next half of the NBA season should be a great time for Kessler to go out and showcase why he would be deserving of one of the coveted 12 roster spots.
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