Former Duke standout is dominating Summer League and pushing Utah toward a major lineup decision ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season
Kyle Filipowski Is Pushing for a Starting Role in Utah After Dominating Summer League
The NBA Summer League has always been a proving ground — a place where rookies get their first taste of pro basketball, and overlooked players fight to show they belong. For Utah Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski, it’s become the stage where his NBA ascent is demanding attention.
After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the former Duke Blue Devil is putting on an MVP-caliber performance at the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League. Filipowski’s explosive play is turning heads across the league and putting serious pressure on the Jazz front office and head coach Will Hardy to insert him into the starting lineup once the regular season tips off.
Through multiple games, Filipowski leads all scorers with an impressive 29.3 points per game, adding 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting a scorching 56.1% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. These are not just impressive stats — they’re the numbers of a player knocking loudly on the door of NBA stardom.
From Draft Day Doubt to Must-Start Prospect
When Filipowski slipped into the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, many scouts questioned whether his game could translate to the NBA. Concerns about his lateral quickness, defensive limitations, and athleticism led some to see him as a rotational piece rather than a long-term starter. But the 6’11 forward has quickly silenced those critics.
As a rookie, Filipowski played in 72 games for the Jazz and started 27, averaging 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in just over 21 minutes per night. Those numbers were solid, but his current Summer League performance has made one thing clear — he’s no longer just “a nice piece off the bench.” He’s playing like a future star.
Against the San Antonio Spurs on July 14th, Filipowski posted a dominant 35-point, 11-rebound performance that showcased his ability to score at all three levels. Whether facing up, working in the post, or stretching the floor with his shooting, he looked completely unguardable — and completely ready.
The Jazz Have a Decision to Make
Utah finds itself in the middle of a rebuild, with a roster stacked with young talent all vying for minutes. That includes Taylor Hendricks, the 2023 No. 9 overall pick, who missed most of last season due to injury. On paper, Hendricks is expected to slide into the starting power forward spot — but on the court, he has yet to prove he can stay healthy or produce at the level Filipowski is displaying now.
Through his first two NBA seasons, Hendricks has only appeared in 43 total games, struggling with injuries and inconsistency. In contrast, Filipowski has been both available and impactful. With every standout performance this summer, he’s making it harder for Utah to justify keeping him on the bench.
The big question now is whether head coach Will Hardy is willing to shake things up and prioritize production over pedigree. Does Filipowski’s offensive ceiling outweigh Hendricks’ defensive potential and athleticism? Can the Jazz afford to keep one of their hottest players out of the starting five in a developmental season?
There’s More to Consider Than Just Hendricks
Complicating matters further is the addition of Ace Bailey, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. At 6’8″, Bailey could theoretically play the two, three, or even small-ball four, depending on how the Jazz want to construct their rotation. His versatility adds excitement — but also crowding — to Utah’s forward spots.
With a guard-heavy lineup and several wing players hungry for minutes, slotting Filipowski into the starting five could come down to scheme. While he may not be the most switchable defender, his offensive upside is becoming too glaring to ignore. In today’s NBA, where shooting, floor spacing, and playmaking from bigs are at a premium, Filipowski fits the mold of the modern offensive big man.
Offense Wins — and Filipowski Is Winning Big
It’s true that Filipowski’s defense still leaves something to be desired. He doesn’t possess the elite foot speed to guard smaller wings or switches consistently. But his high IQ, rebounding tenacity, and improved positioning make him far from a liability. And if his offense continues trending the way it has, his scoring alone could make up for any shortcomings.
The Jazz aren’t contending for a title next season, which gives them the perfect opportunity to develop and experiment. That means Filipowski should be more than just part of the rotation — he should be one of the focal points.
His game is evolving rapidly, and he’s proving to be not only a draft-day steal but potentially one of the franchise’s centerpieces moving forward.
Jazz Fans Are Watching Closely
Utah fans have seen flashes of greatness in Filipowski before, but his Summer League explosion is solidifying belief that he’s more than a feel-good story. He’s outperforming expectations at every level, and he’s doing it with consistency, poise, and undeniable skill.
With every bucket, rebound, and highlight, Filipowski is forcing the coaching staff to take a long, hard look at their rotation. In a crowded and competitive frontcourt, he’s emerging as the player who deserves the starting job — not because of hype, but because of production.
Final Thoughts: The Time Is Now
It’s rare for second-round picks to rise this quickly, but Kyle Filipowski is breaking the mold. His MVP-level play in the 2025 NBA Summer League is sending a clear message to the Utah Jazz: the future is already here.
Whether the franchise is ready to make the move remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Filipowski has done everything in his power to earn a starting role. And come opening night, if the Jazz are serious about developing their best talent, he should be on the floor when the lights come on.
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