The 2K26 NBA Summer League concluded with Utah Jazz’s Kyle Filipowski earning the Summer League MVP trophy, marking a first in franchise history. Filipowski’s impressive performance in Las Vegas across three games earned him this honor, showcasing his remarkable potential during the offseason.
Dominant Stats Highlight Filipowski’s Impact
Over the course of the Summer League, Filipowski posted outstanding numbers, leading all players with an average of 29.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He shot an efficient 56.1% from the field and knocked down 39.1% of his three-point attempts. One standout effort was his 35-point and 11-rebound showing against the San Antonio Spurs, which was so convincing that he was ultimately pulled from the remainder of summer competition to preserve him for the upcoming season.
Unexpected Reaction to Winning the MVP Award
Despite his strong play, Filipowski revealed a surprising fact during his post-award interview on NBA Today: he had no previous knowledge that the Summer League MVP was even awarded.
“I had no idea that they actually give that,”
Filipowski admitted on the program. His candid response underscores just how focused the young player was on proving his skills rather than chasing accolades.
Historical Context of the Summer League MVP Award
The Summer League MVP honor, introduced in 2006, has been awarded to an intriguing mix of players. Past recipients include established NBA stars such as Damian Lillard, Blake Griffin, and John Wall, who went on to have prominent careers. However, the list also contains lesser-known names, such as Josh Selby in 2012 with the Memphis Grizzlies and Glen Rice Jr. in 2014 representing the Washington Wizards. Filipowski now joins this diverse group of winners after delivering an elite offensive display throughout the event.
Progress Shown Since Rookie Year with the Jazz
Filipowski’s Summer League success builds on his rookie season with Utah, where he averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 50.2% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc across 72 games. Though his Summer League scoring average near 30 points per game is unlikely to continue at that pace in the regular season, his dominant Vegas showcase offers a promising sign of growth and increased confidence heading into his second year.
Looking Ahead for Kyle Filipowski and the Utah Jazz
This Summer League MVP award represents a key milestone for Filipowski, signaling his rising importance within the Utah Jazz roster. His performance may boost expectations for his role and production in the upcoming season, offering hope to Jazz fans who have followed his development from Duke to the NBA. As the Jazz prepare for the regular season, Filipowski’s momentum from Vegas could translate into a more commanding presence on the court.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why didn’t Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Even with his strong college performance, Filipowski’s height at the scouting combine worried NBA scouts. Although listed as 7 feet tall at Duke, he measured 6 feet 10.75 inches without shoes. His wingspan was also a bit shorter than his height, 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 both of his hip joints.
Q. Did Kyle Filipowski get picked?
A. Career Path: On June 27, 2024, Filipowski was picked 32nd overall by the Utah Jazz in the NBA draft. He signed with the team on August 12. During his first season, he was sent several times to play with the Salt Lake City Stars.
Q. What happened to Kyle Filipowski?
A. On February 24, 2024, Filipowski seemed to hurt his knee during a collision. This happened when a Wake Forest fan stormed the court after their team beat the eighth-ranked Blue Devils.