Will Kyle Filipowski Continue to Play Like a Summer League MVP?

Kyle Filipowski Stole the Summer League Show

Filipowski arrived in the NBA with plenty of intrigue. At Duke, he built a reputation as a 6-foot-11 big with a soft shooting touch and strong rebounding instincts.

Some scouts projected him as the type of modern big man who could fit into a variety of lineups. Over the course of the two-week showcase in Las Vegas, he looked the part, scoring efficiently, rebounding on both ends, and even showing flashes of passing that weren’t always on display at Duke.

His ability to step out and hit threes caught immediate attention. According to statistics published on NBA.com, he connected on nearly 40 percent of his 3-point attempts while still scoring efficiently around the rim. For a rookie his size, that mix is uncommon and lines up perfectly with the league’s growing demand for big men who can stretch the floor.

But it wasn’t only the numbers that stood out. Observers pointed to details such as his screening, ball movement, and shot selection as encouraging signs. They don’t show up on highlight reels, but they’re often what wins a rookie their coach’s trust.

The Real Test is the Regular Season

The regular season, though, is an entirely different game. Summer League defenders are mostly rookies and fringe players, while NBA rotations are filled with veterans who are familiar with every scouting report. Filipowski will have to prove he can handle stronger, faster opponents while also adapting to a much heavier schedule. He’s unlikely to have the same freedom he enjoyed in July, and earning minutes could prove difficult with veterans ahead of him in Utah’s frontcourt.

Kyle Filipowski’s Role with the Utah Jazz Frontcourt

Instead of being the focal point, Filipowski may be asked to take on smaller duties, such as spacing the floor, contesting shots, and rebounding. How well he embraces those responsibilities will go a long way toward defining his impact as a rookie.

Even so, there’s no shortage of optimism around him. Several analysts have highlighted his basketball IQ and shooting range as skills that could continue to translate quickly. If he continues making smart reads and holds his own defensively, he should have no trouble earning minutes in Will Hardy’s rotation. And if what he showed in Las Vegas translates to the fall, he will play his way into a bigger role as the season goes on.

Looking Ahead

For Filipowski, that Summer League MVP trophy could become something more than a souvenir from July. It could be the first step in convincing the Jazz that they found a long-term piece to build around. Whether it was a preview of what’s to come or just a hot stretch in July, his development will be one of the Jazz’s most intriguing storylines to follow this year.

Now the grind of the NBA season begins, and for Filipowski, showing his breakout summer was no fluke is the next step in turning promise into production.