Young Jazz Trio Shows Promise

• Utah Jazz’s Bright Future: Why Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Isaiah Collier Inspire Optimism

As the Utah Jazz navigate the 2024-25 NBA season with a clear focus on development rather than immediate wins, their young roster offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Among the standout talents are third-year center Walker Kessler, rookie forward Kyle Filipowski, and rookie guard Isaiah Collier. Each brings unique skills and potential that could form the backbone of the Jazz’s next contending team. Here’s why Jazz fans should feel excited about these three players moving forward.

• Walker Kessler: A Defensive Anchor with Growing Confidence

Walker Kessler, now in his third NBA season, is proving why he’s a cornerstone of Utah’s youth movement. After a sophomore slump, Kessler has bounced back impressively in 2024-25, showcasing the kind of two-way impact that could make him a fringe All-Star in the future. His stat line this season—averaging 10.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game as of early March—reflects career highs across the board. These numbers aren’t just impressive for a young big man; they signal a player who’s beginning to realize his potential.

Kessler’s elite rim protection remains his calling card. His 2.8 blocks per game place him among the league’s best shot-blockers, and his rebounding has taken a significant leap, averaging 15 rebounds per 36 minutes. This uptick stems from improved physicality and confidence, qualities Jazz head coach Will Hardy has praised: “His strength on the floor, you’ll be able to tell very quickly how different it is.” Kessler’s work on his body has paid off, allowing him to dominate the glass and finish plays with authority, even against physical defenders.

What’s most encouraging is Kessler’s trajectory. His turnover rate, a point of concern last season, is a stat to watch in 2024-25, and any improvement there could solidify his role as a reliable starter. If Kessler maintains this level of production and adds consistency—something Hardy has emphasized as key for his development—he could anchor Utah’s defense for years to come. For a team in need of foundational pieces, Kessler’s growth is a massive reason to be optimistic.

• Kyle Filipowski: A Versatile Big Ready to Shine

Rookie Kyle Filipowski, selected 32nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has quickly emerged as one of the Jazz’s most NBA-ready young players. Despite falling out of the first round—a surprise to many analysts—Filipowski has seized every opportunity, averaging 10.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his seven games as a regular rotation player. His standout performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 24, 2025, where he dropped 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, underscores his potential as a do-it-all big man.

Filipowski’s versatility is what sets him apart. At nearly 7 feet tall, he brings a rare combination of playmaking, shooting, and ball-handling to the frontcourt. His three-point shooting—connecting on 33% of 2.5 attempts per game in the preseason—stretches defenses, creating mismatches that complement Kessler’s interior presence. Jazz veteran Jordan Clarkson saw this potential early, noting Filipowski’s ability to “put the ball on the floor, shoot it, post up, be versatile.” That skill set gives coach Hardy endless lineup options, whether Filipowski plays alongside Kessler or slots in as a stretch five.

Defensively, Filipowski has held his own against stars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, showing poise beyond his years. His adaptability—shifting between the four and five positions—has been vital amid injuries to Utah’s frontcourt, and his comfort at center (a role he played in his second year at Duke) only adds to his value. If Filipowski’s shooting climbs above 35% from deep and he maintains his rebounding and passing, he could become a key piece in Utah’s future. His early success suggests the Jazz may have landed a steal, fueling optimism about his long-term impact.

• Isaiah Collier: A Playmaking Prodigy Finding His Rhythm

Isaiah Collier, the 29th pick in the 2024 draft, has turned heads with his dynamic playmaking since stepping into the starting lineup in January 2025. Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for February, Collier averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, shooting 45% from the field. His 325 assists this season lead all rookies, putting him on pace to challenge John Stockton’s Jazz rookie record of 415. At his current rate, he could break it in just 11 more games.

Collier’s superpower is his pace and vision. His ability to drive downhill and create for teammates—highlighted by a 14-assist game in a one-point win—has reshaped Utah’s offense. Teammate Collin Sexton has praised his growth, saying, “He’s a really good player, really good passer… he’s bound to get better.” Since becoming a starter, Collier’s numbers have jumped to 10.5 points and 8.5 assists per game, reflecting a comfort level that bodes well for his future.

Yes, challenges remain—his 13.6% three-point shooting and 25% free-throw percentage need work—but his improvement post-injury (fewer turnovers, better decision-making) shows a willingness to adapt. At just 6-foot-2, Collier’s size raised questions pre-draft, but his physicality and efficiency as a playmaker have quieted doubters. If he refines his jumper, he could evolve into a two-way guard capable of leading Utah’s backcourt. His rapid development is a testament to the Jazz’s patience and a reason for fans to dream big.

• A Core Worth Building Around

The Jazz’s rebuild hinges on finding players who can grow into stars or high-level contributors, and Kessler, Filipowski, and Collier fit the bill. Kessler’s defensive prowess and rebounding surge provide a foundation; Filipowski’s versatility and readiness offer flexibility; and Collier’s playmaking flair brings excitement and potential. Together, they complement each other’s strengths—Kessler’s interior dominance pairs with Filipowski’s floor-spacing, while Collier’s creation ties it all together.

Utah still needs a superstar to contend, but these three give the Jazz a promising core to build around. Their development aligns with the team’s long-term vision, and their early flashes suggest brighter days ahead. For Jazz fans enduring a tough 2024-25 season, Kessler, Filipowski, and Collier are beacons of hope—proof that the future in Salt Lake City could be something special.