Armando Bacot Steals Rival's Spotlight With Stellar NBA Debut
By Joe Summers
Armando Bacot didn't play in Utah's first NBA Summer League game on Monday. But he made the most of his opportunity on Tuesday, stuffing the stat sheet and outshining collegiate rival-turned-teammate Kyle Filipowski in limited action.
After signing an Exhibit 10 contract as an undrafted free agent with the Jazz, Bacot fit the bill as an energetic, rebounding machine and looked deserving of a roster spot. He only played seven minutes in the 98-75 loss to the Thunder but they were heavenly as Bacot looked determined to prove he's worth a second contract.
When you contrast Bacot's per-minute dominance with Filipowski's disastrous performances, you come away even more impressed with the Tar Heels' great.
UNC Star Armando Bacot Dominates in NBA Summer League Debut
First points and rebound as a pro @iget_buckets35 we lit and I’m proud!! Keep working big fella!!🔥💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/BSc501ujy7
— The Legend (@heelsn2012) July 10, 2024
North Carolina's all-time leading rebounder was better than advertised, hauling in five boards with a block and four points. He tied for the third-most rebounds on the team despite the limited minutes, averaging an absurd 25.7 rebounds per 36 minutes.
The small sample size contributed to the absurd efficiency, but it's obvious that Bacot has value as a premier rebounder. He plays the same position as Filipowski, who had five rebounds in 20 minutes, so Bacot is making a strong case that he should've been the one drafted early in the second round and not his Duke counterpart.
Armando Bacot plays with so much energy. Came in and made things happen right away on the boards.
— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) July 10, 2024
Just like Bacot gave the Tar Heels a distinct advantage by creating extra possessions, he made an immediate impact for Utah and made the jobs of his teammates easier. While he was a -4 in plus/minus in his seven minutes, he fared far better than Filipowski's -20 in his 20 minutes.
Bacot's value proposition is simple: get rebounds and energize the team. It's reminiscent of Kenneth Faried, who carved out a lengthy NBA career through sheer effort and impact on the glass.
The Jazz take on the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night. Bacot earned more minutes with his play on Tuesday and if he takes advantage of them, I expect him to earn another contract.
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