Kyle Filipowski Between Expectations and Reality
A series of significant circumstances has not been enough to give momentum to the season – and career – of Kyle Filipowski
Over the summer, he dominated Summer League, topping the 30-point mark on multiple occasions. Five games into the season came the major turning point: the shoulder injury to Walker Kessler, the starter at his position, ruled out for the remainder of the year. And yet, Kyle Filipowski is still struggling to take flight in Salt Lake City.
Favorable Circumstances – Without the Most Important Condition
The loss of the cornerstone of the Jazz project reshaped the balance of a team that, even at full strength, entered the season without real competitive ambitions, still fully immersed in developing its young core. An ideal environment to play, make mistakes and refine one’s game without excessive pressure tied to results.
Coach Hardy’s decision to hand the starting nod – and the majority of minutes at center – to 32-year-old Jusuf Nurkic, all things considered, says a lot about the level of trust placed in the former Duke product.
The JJJ Trade and the Implications for the Future
Looking ahead, the young big man’s path with the Utah Jazz appears even steeper. While Utah avoided tapping into its center rotation in the trade with Memphis, the willingness to sacrifice three future first-round picks to bring Jaren Jackson Jr. to Salt Lake City highlights the franchise’s intention to pair Kessler with an established, ready-made presence in controlling the boards.
It’s still too early to talk about a definitive setback for Filipowski, but next season his role could shrink even further.
The Most Realistic Key to Finding Minutes: Perimeter Shooting
The Jazz’s tactical blueprint follows a single, non-negotiable principle: run and shoot – a direct consequence of the roster construction. Third in pace across the NBA, behind only Miami and Atlanta, Markkanen and company initiate nearly every possession with five players spaced beyond the three-point line.
For the 2003-born big, who already showed a polished shooting touch in college, raising his current 34% from beyond the arc would be the quickest way to catch Hardy’s attention. A clearly defined perimeter dimension that is currently lacking – especially when compared to a slightly more accurate Nurkic, albeit on limited volume – and an offensive presence that remains more impactful in other areas of the floor.