Utah Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski made a remarkable impact on Monday by scoring 35 points against the San Antonio Spurs. The 2024 No. 32 NBA draft pick shot efficiently, hitting 11 of 19 attempts, including five three-pointers out of eight attempts. His impressive showing in summer league games has drawn widespread attention and intensified speculation about potential roster changes involving Lauri Markkanen.
Lauri Markkanen, a key figure in the Jazz lineup, has seen his name frequently appear in trade talks over the past two years. After an outstanding 2022-23 season where he averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, Markkanen earned the Most Improved Player award. However, his production declined last season, posting averages of 19 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Contract Situations and Rebuilding Strategies Influence Team Direction
Markkanen is at the start of a substantial four-year, $195.8 million contract with Utah, a team currently committed to a full-scale rebuild. Recent trades that sent Collin Sexton and John Collins to other teams freed up significant salary cap space, and Markkanen’s $46.3 million annual salary is now viewed as a potential trade asset.
On the other hand, Filipowski is entering the second year of a four-year, $12 million contract signed in 2024, costing the Jazz about $6 million over the next two seasons. His strong summer league performance further fuels rumors that the team may be ready to pivot toward younger, more cost-effective players like Filipowski as part of their rebuilding plan.
Filipowski’s Youth and Versatility Align with Utah’s Future Plans
Kyle Filipowski’s youth and skill set give him a key role in Utah’s rebuilding timeline. At 22 years old, he is six years younger than Markkanen, making him a more long-term asset for the franchise. The Jazz also added 19-year-old Ace Bailey and 22-year-old Walter Clayton Jr. in the recent draft, signaling their investment in a younger core.
Recent roster moves, including trading John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson for players on expiring contracts, suggest a clear shift towards youth and flexibility. Additionally, with veterans like Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love nearing the end of their contracts, Utah’s frontline could undergo further changes before the next season.
Filipowski’s ability to play both center and power forward adds valuable flexibility for coach Will Hardy as the Jazz aim to rebuild. Last season, Filipowski appeared in 72 games, starting 27, and averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while playing 21.1 minutes per game. His continued development is expected to support Utah’s efforts to return to playoff contention.
The Road Ahead for the Utah Jazz Roster
With the NBA season approaching, Filipowski’s emergence can have a significant impact on Utah’s roster decisions. The Jazz’s commitment to rebuilding around younger talent places Filipowski more firmly within the future plans than Markkanen, whose contract and declining numbers make him a likely trade candidate. How the team balances experience and youth will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming campaign under coach Will Hardy’s leadership.
“Kyle Filipowski’s development is crucial for the Utah Jazz because he is still 22 years old, six years younger than Lauri Markkanen.” —Adam Ausland, LA Clippers Radio Network Host
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Although Filipowski’s college performance was impressive, his measurements at the scouting combine worried NBA scouts. At Duke, he was listed as 7 feet tall. However, without shoes, he measured 6 feet 10.75 inches. His wingspan was also slightly shorter than his height at 6 feet 10.5 inches.
Q. What happened with Kyle Filipowski?
A. Even though Filipowski was expected to be picked in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, he chose to come back for his second college year. In April 2023, he had surgery to fix issues with the hip joints at the top of both his legs.
Q. Why did Kyle Filipowski slide?
A. According to 247Sports national basketball director Eric Bossi, talks with NBA sources before the draft raised questions about Kyle Filipowski’s fit in the NBA. Concerns about his health contributed to him not being picked in the first round.