Time For The Jazz To Reverse Their Kyle Filipowski Decision

Right now, Hardy’s trust is clear with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler locked in as starters. But the third frontcourt spot remains a question mark. John Collins held that role last season, but his trade to the Clippers leaves a glaring hole. The Jazz have options like Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks. Combined, they have 52 career starts. But the time might be right for the Jazz to give Kyle Filipowski more responsibility. He has started in spots for the team, often in the absence of either Markkanen and Kessler. It’s time to play all three together.

A Summer League Star

Filipowski didn’t waste his chance to make noise this summer. The 6-foot-11 forward became the first Jazz player ever to claim NBA Summer League MVP honors.

Filipowski averaged a scorching 29.3 points per game across three contests. He grabbed 7.7 rebounds and dished out 2.3 assists per game. He shot an impressive 56.1% from the field and hit 39.1% of his threes.

“Obviously it’s different in summer league versus (the regular season),” Filipowski said after his final game. “I’m just trying to be myself out there right now. However that translates to the season, that’s how it’s going to be. I’m going to make the most of it in that way.”

His numbers show he’s ready for more. Last season, Filipowski played in 72 games and started 27 times. He averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in just over 21 minutes. Filipowski was one of two NBA rookies to finish the season with over 650 points, 400 rebounds and 100 assists.

A Trio That Needs Testing

So far, the coaching staff hasn’t given us a look at Markkanen, Kessler and Filipowski together. The numbers say it’s time. According to NBA.com, that trio logged zero minutes on the floor as a unit.

When the Jazz did pair size and shooting, they used Markkanen, Filipowski and Collins together. In just 99 minutes, that combo produced some of the team’s best true shooting results among three-man lineups. The Jazz must reverse their Kyle Filipowski decision and test this trio.

Even if Hardy won’t start them together yet, they deserve real minutes. Baby steps matter in a rebuild. Filipowski playing regular minutes next to Utah’s best pieces could speed up his growth. Remember, he slipped to the Jazz in the second round even with a green room invite. He’s got a ceiling worth betting on.

A Big Bet On A Big Man

The Jazz have shown patience in this rebuild. But this year needs a payoff. Markkanen’s prime isn’t endless. Kessler remains the team’s defensive anchor. Filipowski has shown enough flashes to demand a bigger role.

If the Jazz want to see how this frontcourt core really fits, it’s time to reverse their Filipowski decision. Start him. Let him make mistakes. Let him stretch the floor and punish smaller lineups. The rebuild depends on giving talented picks real chances to grow.

There’s no reason to hold back now. Filipowski is ready. The numbers say so. His confidence says so. And if the Jazz want to contend again soon, they’ll need him ready too.