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Kyle Filipowski Surprises Critics With Summer League Performance

Kyle Filipowski enjoyed his best NBA Summer League game yet on Wednesday, dominating the Raptors with a confident, efficient performance.

By Joe Summers

Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Mark Mitchell (25) and center Kyle Filipowski (30) react in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Mark Mitchell (25) and center Kyle Filipowski (30) react in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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It took some time, but Kyle Filipowski had his signature NBA Summer League performance on Wednesday, dominating the Raptors as his Utah Jazz rattled off an 86-76 victory.

Filipowski struggled mightily in his first few games, getting bullied in the post and playing tentatively on offense. However, he flipped those criticisms upside-down against Toronto, looking like the player many thought could've been a lottery pick.

If this is the player Filipowski will be moving forward, he'll be remembered as one of the steals of the draft.

Kyle Filipowski Dominates in Best Summer League Game Yet

He finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block while shooting 9/16 from the field and 2/3 from beyond the arc. The Jazz outscored the Raptors by six in Filipowski's 26 minutes, showcasing the positive impact he had on the floor.

The full range of Filipowski's game was on full display. He was decisive in attacking the basket, effective in stretching the floor, and quick with his decisions on defense. Filipowski oozed confidence, a stark improvement from the hesitation he showed early on.

Unlike in the Salt Lake City Summer League, Filipowski primarily played as a traditional center. He shared the floor with shot-blocking phenom Walker Kessler in Utah, clogging the lane and leading to Filipowski's indecision.

It remains to be seen if he can hold his own defensively against more physical centers, though this was a great start. Raptors center Branden Carlson is seven feet tall but wire-thin, giving Filipowski the confidence to attack him on both ends of the floor.

You can only play against who you're facing, so I can't fault Filipowski for taking advantage of the matchup. The Jazz face the 3-0 Clippers on Thursday night, giving Filipowski another opportunity to show his quick development.

Plenty of players have needed a few games to adjust to the NBA. Perhaps Filipowski will be the latest example. If he plays with the same authority moving forward, he'll be in an excellent position to earn real minutes for a rebuilding franchise.

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