Walker Kessler impresses Redick: “Perfect fit for the Lakers”
It took the Lakers only a few minutes to see Walker Kessler’s impact. JJ Redick praises the new center after his debut
Walker Kessler needed only 16 minutes to convince JJ Redick. In his Preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers, the former Utah big man finished with 11 points and 9 rebounds, immediately showing the impact he can provide around the rim. Despite the loss, the team posted a +15 plus/minus with him on the floor.
In his postgame comments, Redick especially praised the new addition’s ability to run the floor and his presence on the boards.
I think he fits our team really well. He ran the floor well and attacked the glass. He grabbed some really good rebounds in traffic. Overall, he played a very, very good first half
JJ Redick
Redick then highlighted one telling stat: the Warriors grabbed just two offensive rebounds in the first half, compared with 13 after halftime, when Kessler did not play.
At halftime they had two offensive rebounds, then they grabbed 13 in the second half. He didn’t play after halftime. Overall, he was really good for a guy who hadn’t played in about ten days
JJ Redick
Kessler had missed the first three Preseason games because of a finger injury, but after this first appearance he already looks ready to provide his new team with rebounding presence and rim protection.