In The Portal, we discuss the stellar performances of players in Europe and identify comparable players in the NBA, highlighting the key stats, team impact, and on-court attributes that both players share.
Walter Tavares | Real Madrid | Cape Verde
The 7’3 veteran had another great season for Real Madrid, winning the Euroleague and securing the Final Four MVP after two stellar performances in the Semifinal and Final
Numbers Story
- Per Game: 11.2 PTs, 6.9 REBs, 2.2 BLKs
- Great Shotblocker: 1st in Euroleague
- Possession Extender: 2.6 ORebs, 3rd in EL
- Very Efficient: PER of 23.08
Walker Kessler | Utah Jazz | United States
The 7´1 rookie was a major contributor offensively and a defensive force for the Jazz; making the All-Rookie 1st team and setting the tone for the club’s rebuild
- Per Game Stats: 9.2 PTs, 8.4 REBs, 2.3 BLKs
- Great Rebounder: 2nd in NBA in REBs/min
- Rim Protector: 3rd in the NBA in BLKs/game
- Highly Productive: PER of 21.47
Team Impact
In his 5th season with Madrid, Tavares has
produced with the same consistency and efficiency as in years past, anchoring Real´s defense while contributing offensively as the 3rd best scorer, dominating in the post-season.
Kessler, who began the season in Utah coming off the bench (17 MPG), became a starter in December (25 MPG since), and has improved each month, leading the Jazz in blocks and offensive rebounding.
Per Game Parallels
| 2.6 OREBs | O-Rebounding Forces on the boards who created many 2nd chances | 3.1 OREBs |
| 2.2 BLKs | Shot Blocking Defensive anchors that limited FGAs and impact FG% | 2.3 BLKs |
| 67.7% 2PT% | Inside Scoring Efficient at the rim with consistent production | 72.2% 2PT% |
On-Court Contrasts
- The Line: Tavares shot 78%, (2.57 PTs/game from FTs) while Kessler struggled behind the stripe shooting just 51.6%
- Team’s Focus: Tavares was more featured with a 19.4% USG rate, compared to Kessler’s 13.2%
- Shot Selection: 93% of Kessler’s shots were at the rim and Tavares scored mostly in pick-and-rolls
- The Madrid Center was also a better post-up option while Kessler was more productive in put-back situations
