Upsides

• Really smart player, he rarely makes mistakes on the court

• Good passer, I think he can function as a playmaker for a team in spurts

• The shot is pretty solid right now, I expect him to be relatively efficient in the NBA

• Solid ball handler for a big man

• He is a little bit of a switchable defender, noting crazy but he isn’t the type of guy who is going to get destroyed every time he is switched onto a smaller player

Downsides

• Not really a good rim protector right now

• Isn’t really much of a presence in the paint on either end for the matter

Conclusion

will add scouting report soon

Shades of: Kelly Olynyk+, A LITTLE BIT of Karl Anthony Towns

Kyle Filipowski - Duke (PF/C - HT: 6’11” - WING: 7’0” - WT: - A: 20y)

- A stretch big with a REALLY versatile offensive game
- Not a hub but elite playmaking feel, especially as a connective passer
- Shot looks great but hasn’t been above 30% either college year
- Screens, shoots, passes, posts up… he looks like a real NBA player despite his in between size
- Works hard on the boards and makes hustle plays - the work ethic is there
- Not a great defender on the perimeter or in the post due to his in-between size
- Needs to keep putting on weight, strength, and power to be able to post up in the NBA with the same efficacy
- Got totally owned by Missi, who blocked almost all of his shots
- Shades of Mo Wagner, Kelly O’Lynyk, Santi Aldama

Kyle Filipowski Scouting Report (as of January 7, 2024)

Overview:

Kyle Filipowski is a 7'0", 230-pound sophomore forward from Duke University who returned for his second season after being projected as a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His impressive showing this year further solidified his status as a top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft. Filipowski's size, skillset, and basketball IQ make him a versatile big man with the potential to contribute immediately in the NBA.

Strengths:

High-level skillset: Filipowski possesses a well-rounded offensive repertoire for a big man. He can handle the ball comfortably, knock down threes with a smooth stroke, and score effectively in the post with a variety of moves. His ability to space the floor and attack from different areas creates matchup problems for defenders. Solid passer: While his scoring is impressive, Filipowski also demonstrates good passing ability. He can find open teammates with smart cuts and accurate passes, making him a threat both as a scorer and a facilitator. Improved athleticism: Since his freshman year, Filipowski has demonstrably improved his athleticism. He shows good footwork, runs the floor well, and displays impressive agility for his size, making him a more versatile player overall. High basketball IQ: Filipowski plays with a cerebral approach, understanding the game well and making smart decisions on both ends of the court. He reads defenses effectively, positions himself well, and makes positive contributions in various situations.

Weaknesses:

Defensive consistency: While his athleticism has improved, Filipowski still needs to refine his defensive skills to consistently compete against elite NBA big men. He can struggle at times against quicker players on the perimeter and needs to improve his rim protection abilities. Strength and physicality: Adding strength and physicality will be crucial for Filipowski to compete effectively in the NBA. He can get overpowered in the paint against stronger opponents, impacting his rebounding and ability to finish through contact. Free throw shooting: While his overall shooting is good, Filipowski's free throw shooting needs some improvement. Consistency at the free throw line is crucial for big men in the modern NBA, and he can sometimes struggle from the charity stripe.

Overall:

Kyle Filipowski is a highly intriguing prospect with the potential to become a dominant two-way big man in the NBA. His blend of size, skillset, and basketball IQ allows him to contribute offensively in multiple ways. If he can continue to refine his defensive skills, add strength and physicality, and improve his free throw shooting, he has the potential to be a valuable asset for any team seeking a modern-day big man.

Additional Notes:

Filipowski's decision to return to Duke for his sophomore season has paid off, showcasing his continued development and solidifying his draft position. Some scouts compare him to a young Kevin Love due to his shooting, passing, and overall offensive versatility, while others see him as a more mobile and defensively-focused player in the mold of Domantas Sabonis. His ability to contribute offensively on the perimeter and his improving athleticism make him a valuable fit for teams seeking a big man who can adapt to the modern NBA style of play. Overall, Kyle Filipowski is a player to watch closely in the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Draft. He has the talent and potential to make a significant impact on the league for years to come.

Offensively, Filipowski is amazing. He has stretch ability, that raised some questions last year, but he upped his 3pt percentage from 28.2% to 34.8%. He also increased his overall FG% from 44.1% to 50.5%, while being asked to take on a bigger role than last year. I do think it helped his offensive game to play without Dereck Lively who was a force in the paint.

That's a little concerning because I don't think Filipowski, defensively, can play the 5 spot overly successfully. I think he will end up playing a lot of it, but it will take a lot of time to develop the needed skill there. I do like his lateral movement, but inside he doesn't always play with the physicality that I think he needs to or can. His shot blocking numbers did increase, but again, it helps when Dereck Lively, who averaged 2.4 bpg leaves.

Ceiling: PF Orlando Nikola Vucevic Floor: PF Philly Nikola Vucevic Comparison: Nikola Mirotic

Favorite Fits:

1. Chicago Bulls

2. Orlando Magic

3. Milwaukee Bucks

ATTRIBUTES

Pros:

• Good rebounder

• Solid post-scorer

• Solid playmaker

• Decent athlete

• Decent shooter

• Decent motor

Cons:

• Needs to continue improving his jump shot

• Face-up game needs to improve

• Turnover prone

OVERALL

Mould/role: Floor-spacing big

Player Comp: Karl-Anthony Towns lite

Tier: 3

Strengths:

High BBIQ

Terrific Playmaker for a 7 Footer

Great Shooter for his Size

Good Ball Handle

Very Modern Big Man

Weaknesses:

Needs to add some strength

Poor in the paint for a 7 footer (both sides of the ball)

Player Comparison: Jonas Valančiūnas