Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a labral tear in his left shoulder, the team announced Wednesday.
The 23-year-old will undergo surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday to repair the injury.
Kessler had been off to an impressive start, averaging 14.
4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 70.3% from the field. He also showed major progress from long range, knocking down 6 of 8 three-point attempts after making only 11 in his previous three seasons combined.
The 7-footer opened the campaign with 22 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, and added 25 points and 11 rebounds in a victory over the Phoenix Suns two games later.
His absence is a major blow for the Jazz, who will now rely more heavily on John Collins and Walker Hendricks in the frontcourt rotation.
