2022 NBA Draft: RR believes Walker Kessler is perfect first-round pick

Auburn basketball had a truly historic season this past year, with Walker Kessler and Jabari Smith Jr. leading the way for the Tigers. While Jabari Smith is projected to be the first pick in tonight’s 2022 NBA Draft, big man Walker Kessler is also expected to go in the first round.

Kessler won multiple awards during his tenure as a Tiger, including the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and All-America third team, as well as finishing with the most blocks in D1 basketball.

Now, he has been identified as the perfect pick in the first round for the Toronto Raptors by our Raps FS sister-site Raptors Rapture:

"At the very least, Kessler would provide the size, shot-blocking, and rebounding the Raptors so desperately needed last season. He is a real seven-footer to match the biggest, baddest guys in the league physically."

It was questionable for a while as to whether or not Kessler would declare for the draft or return to the Plains for another season, and that was largely because it was thought that there were aspects of his game he could improve upon before heading to the big leagues — primarily his shooting.

Raptors Rapture notes that Kessler showed promise from behind the arc this past season, but he could never get consistent with his long-range shot. His free-throw shooting, while it could still get better, did improve over the season. However, Kessler’s style of play under the rim will fit right into the Raptors’ offense:

"The increased space and better point guard play in the NBA will get him easy looks on the inside. This will make it easier for a limited offensive rim-runner to thrive with a professional team."

In Bleacher Report’s Final 2022 NBA Mock Draft, Kessler is projected to be the 22nd pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, and Dick Vitale predicted that Kessler will go 28th to the Golden State Warriors. However, RR claims that Kessler could be in reach for the Toronto Raptors.