Two-Year Duke Standout Kyle Filipowski Delivers Dominant NBA Summer League Performance in Las Vegas, Impressing Scouts With Versatile Skill Set
Kyle Filipowski, the former Duke basketball standout, entered the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with something to prove—and he left no doubts about his professional potential. After spending two highly productive seasons in Durham, Filipowski transitioned to the NBA stage with the same confidence, versatility, and competitive fire that made him one of college basketball’s most dynamic big men. In a setting designed to separate promising prospects from pretenders, Filipowski was nothing short of prolific, emerging as one of the clear-cut stars of the event and validating why NBA front offices were so intrigued by his game.
From the opening tip of the Summer League, Filipowski displayed a poise that immediately set him apart. While many rookies looked to find their rhythm or adjust to the faster pace of play, he operated like a seasoned veteran. Whether posting up smaller defenders, stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting, or making sharp passes from the elbow, Filipowski consistently impacted the game on both ends. His skillset—which blends traditional big-man fundamentals with modern offensive versatility—fit seamlessly into the professional game.
Standing at 7 feet tall with the mobility of a forward and the handle of a guard, Filipowski showed why he had been such a matchup nightmare in college. In Las Vegas, those same traits allowed him to thrive against other elite young talent. He routinely scored from all three levels, running pick-and-pop sets, finishing through contact in the paint, and hitting spot-up threes with confidence. He averaged double figures in points throughout the tournament and grabbed rebounds in bunches, often kickstarting fast breaks with his outlet passing or initiating offense himself off the dribble.
But Filipowski’s impact wasn’t just about statistics. It was his presence—his command of the game, his vocal leadership, and his ability to elevate those around him—that truly impressed coaches and scouts. In a league where young players often focus on individual production, Filipowski stood out as a team-first competitor who made winning plays. He set hard screens, rotated on defense, and didn’t shy away from the physicality that defines NBA-level basketball. His high basketball IQ, developed over two years under Coach Jon Scheyer at Duke, translated beautifully into the pro environment.
Filipowski’s passing, in particular, became a focal point for analysts watching his development. Always a willing distributor in college, he took that unselfishness to another level in the Summer League. Whether finding cutters from the high post or swinging the ball to the weak side out of double-teams, he showed an advanced understanding of spacing and timing. These are qualities that separate good big men from great ones in the NBA, and Filipowski’s feel for the game suggests he’s on the path to the latter.
Defensively, Filipowski held his own as well. Though never billed as an elite rim protector, he moved his feet well in pick-and-roll coverage and used his length to alter shots around the basket. He communicated clearly with teammates, showed discipline in his closeouts, and even recorded a few steals by jumping passing lanes or reading offensive actions before they developed. It was clear that he took pride in being more than just an offensive weapon. He embraced the challenge of guarding different types of opponents—from quicker forwards to bulkier centers—and responded with energy and focus.
Off the court, Filipowski also earned praise for his professionalism and work ethic. Coaches noted his attentiveness in film sessions, his effort during practices, and his leadership among fellow rookies. Even media members covering the event spoke highly of his demeanor—he was confident but not arrogant, candid in interviews, and always credited his teammates and coaches for his performance. That level of maturity is often rare in first-year players, and it reinforced the belief that Filipowski is ready for the demands of an NBA season.
What makes Filipowski’s Summer League success even more compelling is how it reflects his steady progression over the last three years. Coming out of high school, he was highly rated but not universally regarded as a surefire NBA prospect. His first year at Duke changed that. He led the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding as a freshman, won ACC Rookie of the Year, and delivered several dominant performances in marquee games. Rather than declare for the draft after one season, he returned for a sophomore campaign—a decision that raised some eyebrows but ultimately paid off.
In his second year at Duke, Filipowski added muscle to his frame, sharpened his outside shot, and took on a larger leadership role. He became the heartbeat of the team, shouldering responsibilities on both ends of the floor and showing clear growth in his decision-making. While the Blue Devils dealt with injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the season, Filipowski remained a steady force. He was often the difference-maker in close games, and his willingness to play through pain and fatigue made a lasting impression on scouts.
By the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolled around, Filipowski was widely viewed as one of the more NBA-ready bigs in the class. Yet, some doubters remained—citing questions about his athleticism, lateral quickness, or fit in modern defensive schemes. In Las Vegas, he answered all of those concerns. He played with a chip on his shoulder, demonstrating that his blend of size, skill, and feel is not only relevant in today’s game—it’s valuable.
It’s also worth noting how Filipowski’s performance in the Summer League positions him heading into training camp. For his team—who invested in him with a clear role in mind—his standout play confirms that he can contribute from day one. Whether as a rotational big off the bench or even competing for a starting spot, he has shown he belongs at the NBA level. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man gives his team offensive flexibility, and his passing makes him a connective piece in half-court sets.
The positive momentum also creates a ripple effect across the Duke program. Each time a former Blue Devil succeeds at the professional level, it adds credibility to the development process in Durham. For current and future recruits, Filipowski becomes another example of how staying an extra year in college can elevate both your game and your draft stock. He represents the kind of modern big man that NBA teams are searching for—skilled, smart, and unselfish.
Beyond the stats, the dunks, and the highlight-reel moments, what stood out most about Filipowski in Las Vegas was his competitive spirit. He played every possession like it mattered, whether up twenty points or down ten. He brought energy, talked on defense, celebrated teammates’ successes, and maintained a laser focus from warmups to the final buzzer. That kind of intensity is contagious, and it’s one reason why he’ll likely earn the trust of his coaching staff early in his NBA career.
As the dust settles on the 2025 NBA Summer League, few players have improved their stock as clearly as Kyle Filipowski. He arrived with questions, responded with performance, and left with respect. For a young big man entering the league, that’s a perfect start.
Looking forward, Filipowski’s development will be a storyline to watch. If he continues to build on the momentum he created in Las Vegas—refining his defensive instincts, improving his conditioning, and adding counters to his offensive game—there’s no reason he can’t carve out a long and productive NBA career. His foundation is already strong, thanks in large part to the two years he spent growing at Duke, and now he’s beginning to write the next chapter of his basketball journey with purpose.
His Summer League performances didn’t just turn heads—they turned skeptics into believers. And if Las Vegas was any indication, Kyle Filipowski is just getting started.
