In a surprising turn of events, Duke’s 7-foot center Kyle Filipowski finally heard his name called during the 2024 NBA draft. The Utah Jazz secured him as the 32nd overall pick on the second day of the draft. Despite early lottery projections, Filipowski slipped to the second round, leaving many basketball enthusiasts intrigued by the decision.
A Rising Star from Duke
Filipowski’s college career at Duke spanned two years, during which he started in all 72 of his appearances for the Blue Devils. As a freshman, he showcased his skills, averaging 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. His sophomore season saw an uptick in several categories, including points (16.4), assists (2.8), and blocks (1.5) per game. His shooting efficiency improved to 55.9 percent, and he reduced turnovers from his freshman year.
Versatility and Potential
Filipowski, a seven-footer, can play both power forward and center positions. His high basketball IQ and solid passing skills make him a safe bet among players projected to be in the lottery. He boasts a decent offensive game near the rim and has even stretched his shooting range beyond the three-point line. While questions remain about how he’ll handle the physicality of the NBA, his 248-pound frame suggests he’s up for the challenge. Although not the most athletic big man, Filipowski compensates with above-average passing and floor-stretching abilities. His defensive skills, particularly as a rim protector, need improvement, and his free-throw shooting remains a liability. Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives when assessing his potential as a prospect.
Comparisons and Projections
Among current NBA players, Filipowski’s ballhandling and passing skills draw comparisons to Kelly Olynyk and Santi Aldama. If he continues to develop his shot creation, he could even reach Lauri Markkanen’s level—a borderline All-Star player at his best. Regardless, Filipowski’s future in the NBA looks promising, and he’s likely to have a lengthy career in the league.
