Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski has been named the NBA 2K26 Summer League Most Valuable Player following his outstanding performance in the 2025 NBA Summer League. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting Filipowski’s clear impact during the event in Las Vegas.
Filipowski’s Dominant Performance Drives Summer League Success
Over three games in Las Vegas, Filipowski led all participants by averaging 29.3 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. His efficiency was notable, shooting 56.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent beyond the arc. This strong showing earned him a spot on the All-Summer League first team, recognizing him among the top performers throughout the tournament.
Rising Role for Filipowski on Utah Jazz’s Roster
Filipowski was selected by the Jazz in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft and gained crucial experience during his rookie season, appearing in 72 games with 27 starts. His rookie year averages included 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Notably, Filipowski’s contributions increased late in the season, posting 15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds in March and peaking with 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in April.
Youth Movement Offers Hope for Utah’s Future
Filipowski is expected to be a central figure in the Jazz’s young core moving forward, alongside promising players like 2025 No. 5 pick Ace Bailey and No. 18 pick Walter Clayton Jr. Bailey participated in two Summer League games in Salt Lake City before opting out in Las Vegas, while Clayton impressed with 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists in his sole Vegas appearance. These young talents provide optimism for a Utah team eager to return to playoff contention after three consecutive seasons without qualifying.
Implications for Utah Jazz’s Upcoming Season
With Filipowski’s Summer League MVP recognition and the development of other young players, the Jazz appear poised to challenge for a playoff spot in the 2025-26 NBA season. Their promising core has gained momentum after a productive summer, suggesting they will be more competitive and better prepared in the near future.
“Filipowski discussed the honor during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on NBA Today:”
“Filipowski headlined the All-Summer League first team:”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Although Filipowski had a great college record, his scouting combine measurements worried NBA scouts. At Duke, he was said to be 7 feet tall. However, without shoes, he measured 6 feet 10.75 inches. His wingspan was also slightly shorter at 6 feet 10.5 inches.
Q. What happened with Kyle Filipowski?
A. Even though Filipowski was expected to be chosen in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, he decided to come back for his second year. In April 2023, he had surgery to fix issues with the hip joints at the top of both his legs.
Q. Did Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Professional Career: On June 27, 2024, the Utah Jazz picked Filipowski with the 32nd overall pick in the NBA draft. He signed with them on August 12. During his first season, he frequently played with the Salt Lake City Stars.
Q. What happened to Kyle Filipowski?
A. On February 24, 2024, Filipowski seems to have injured his knee during an encounter with a Wake Forest fan. The fan was on the court celebrating after the Demon Deacons defeated the eighth-ranked Blue Devils.