The Utah Jazz have decided to shut down sophomore center Kyle Filipowski for the remainder of the Vegas Summer League after an impressive series of performances. Filipowski participated in all six Jazz summer league games, including three contests in the Salt Lake City Summer League, before the team made the decision to rest him.
Filipowski’s standout play throughout the Vegas Summer League made a strong impression, as he led the league in scoring with an average of 29.3 points per game. His scoring bursts included a 32-point and a 35-point game during the opening week of competition, showcasing efficient shooting with 56 percent accuracy from the field and 39 percent from beyond the arc. Alongside his scoring, Filipowski contributed 7.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating his well-rounded impact on the court.
Strong Contributions In Salt Lake City And Vegas Highlight Filipowski
Before his performances in Vegas, Filipowski made a notable impact in the Salt Lake City Summer League, averaging 17.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while helping the Jazz maintain an undefeated record. As a former Duke standout and second-round pick, Filipowski’s showing this summer builds on a promising rookie season where he posted 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds over 72 games.
Although summer league achievements do not always predict regular-season success, Filipowski is expected to play a crucial role in the Jazz’s frontcourt rotation. With the recent trade of John Collins and Taylor Hendricks’ ongoing injury rehabilitation, Filipowski is positioned to work alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in Utah’s front line for the upcoming NBA season.
Upcoming Jazz Summer League Matchups Without Filipowski
Following the announcement, the Jazz will continue their summer league campaign without Filipowski. The team is scheduled to face the Washington Wizards on Wednesday in their final regularly scheduled summer league game in Las Vegas. This matchup will mark one of two remaining contests for the Jazz in Vegas.
Several other players are sidelined due to injuries, including Ace Bailey (hip flexor soreness), Walter Clayton Jr. (hamstring soreness), and RJ Luis Jr. (knee soreness), further affecting the Jazz’s roster availability. John Tonje is listed as questionable with an ankle sprain. The team’s injury report highlighted these absences ahead of their upcoming games.
The @utahjazz injury report:
OUT – Ace Bailey (hip flexor soreness)
OUT – Walter Clayton Jr. (hamstring soreness)
OUT – RJ Luis Jr. (knee soreness)
QUESTIONABLE – John Tonje (ankle sprain)
Additionally, Kyle Filipowski will not play the remainder of Summer League.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 16, 2025
Following the Wizards game, the Jazz will play a consolation game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, a matchup for teams that did not qualify for the Vegas Summer League playoffs.
Filipowski’s Summer League Impact And What’s Ahead
Kyle Filipowski’s strong summer league performances have raised expectations for his role with the Utah Jazz moving forward. His scoring efficiency and rebounding have helped highlight his growth since his rookie season, making him a key frontcourt option as the team adapts to recent roster changes. The Jazz’s strategy of carefully managing Filipowski’s workload in summer league play reflects a thoughtful approach to his development and long-term contribution.
With other players recovering from injuries and the team integrating new personnel, Filipowski’s progress will be closely watched as the Jazz prepare for the regular NBA season. His ability to contribute alongside established players like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler will be essential in strengthening Utah’s interior presence.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Even though Filipowski performed well in college, his measurements at the scouting combine worried NBA scouts. While Duke listed him as 7 feet tall, his height was actually 6 feet 10.75 inches without shoes. His wingspan was a little 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 decided to come back for his second year. In April 2023, he had surgery on both hips to fix joint problems.
Q. Why did Kyle Filipowski slide?
A. Before the draft, NBA insiders started questioning Kyle Filipowski’s place in the league. Health concerns also contributed to him not being a first-round pick.