Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Kyle Filipowski, a rookie from Duke, is adjusting to coming off the bench for the Utah Jazz after a college career of being a standout starter.
- Despite limited playing time in a preseason win over the Houston Rockets, he impressed with 9 points and five rebounds, showcasing his adaptability and potential.
- Jazz coach Will Hardy highlighted Filipowski's high basketball IQ and playmaking skills, noting the competition he faces for playing time and the need for consistent shooting and defense to secure a more substantial role on the team.
SALT LAKE CITY — With 10:07 left in Utah's 122-113 preseason win over the Houston Rockets Monday at the Delta Center, Kyle Filipowski checked into the game for the first time.
That's a new feeling for the rookie big man from Duke. He's been a prep player of the year, an all-conference player in the ACC and an NCAA All-American. In short, Filipowski has been one of the best players every time he touched a court.
"It can't be undersold that Kyle's probably never come off the bench in his life," Jazz coach Will Hardy said.
So what did Filipwski do with those 10 minutes? He scored 9 points, grabbed five rebounds and went 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Not bad for someone just getting used to life at the end of the pine. But make no mistake, it has been quite the adjustment.
"I think if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying," he said with a smile. "Obviously, it's hard going from playing 30-plus minutes in college for two years and just getting into the fourth quarter."
He said what's helped him is not having "crazy expectations" when he enters a game. That's allowed him not to put too much pressure on himself when his number is called, and the game comes more naturally on the court.
Or, at least, a little more natural.
"It's a massive adjustment, especially when you sit for three quarters," Hardy said. "But I'm sure there's also plenty of adrenaline when he checks in, there's plenty of excitement. He's probably mad at me, so there are a lot of things that are going through him in that moment. Kyle's a hell of a player."
Whatever it was, he seemed to channel it into a pretty good first showing against an NBA team.
Hardy pointed out two things that made him excited about the versatile big man's future: his mind and his playmaking ability. The Jazz coach said Filipowski sees the court remarkably well and picks up concepts quickly.
And when it comes to his passing …
"He seems to make one or two plays every day at practice that are a little eye-opening, but also don't feel like a one-off," Hardy said.
That's something Jordan Clarkson noticed on the first day he played a pickup game with Filipowski heading into fall camp. Clarkson was so impressed that he said he was ready to go "to war with him."
So what's keeping Filipowski from getting more time? Well, for one, it's a numbers game; he's got Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, John Collins and Taylor Hendricks in front of him. But the Jazz also want to see him become a more consistent shooter.
"If he can continue to tighten up some of the shooting, make it a little bit more consistent, and then, at this level, especially as a rookie, you're going to get picked on," Hardy said. "Can you hold your water defensively and rebound? I think he's going to be just fine."
