Denver Nuggets Draft Preview: Kyle Filipowski
In our ongoing series of draft profiles, we turn our attention to Duke’s standout, Kyle Filipowski. This analysis is based on the possibility of the Denver Nuggets selecting him, not necessarily a strong desire for this outcome. If other preferred prospects are taken before Denver’s turn, the Nuggets might consider either reaching for a second-rounder or capitalizing on Filipowski’s potential fall. The critical question is whether Filipowski can effectively fill a bench role or even complement Nikola Jokic as a near-seven-foot forward. This question requires careful consideration, and the answer remains uncertain.
Filipowski stands at seven feet tall with shoes, an impressive height that allows flexibility in playing him at center, a role Denver would likely need him to fill occasionally. However, his limited wingspan poses a challenge, impacting his rim-protecting abilities alongside his lack of explosive athleticism. Additionally, his low shot release, coupled with his shorter arms, makes his shots more contestable than typical for a player of his height.
Offensively, Filipowski excels when rolling to the basket or receiving the ball in motion. He has reliable hands and a soft touch inside the paint. His relatively quick footwork allows for effective spin moves and reverses to finish at the rim. While he doesn’t dunk frequently for a player of his size, he favors hook shots and push layups, using his body effectively to shield the ball. His ability to roll off screens and his quickness force defenders to respond, which is a notable asset.
Quick Reads and Court Awareness
Filipowski demonstrates a high basketball IQ, avoiding unnecessary fouls by maneuvering around smaller players or passing the ball when necessary. He plays with his head up, making him a good secondary ball mover. This vision allows him to exploit defensive reactions, creating opportunities for teammates. Defensively, his quick hands lead to deflections and steals, and his help rotations are timely, cutting off driving lanes and contributing to blocks. His rebounding success stems from being in the right position and effectively boxing out opponents, providing a solid foundation for growth.
Last season, Filipowski transitioned from playing the 4 to the 5, improving his blocking stats and reducing his susceptibility to perimeter blow-bys. However, his suitability as an NBA center is still in question. His repertoire of crafty paint moves compensates for his inability to overpower strong players. While his agility and finesse are advantageous, concerns arise about his ability to compete physically with seasoned NBA centers. Questions about his rebounding capabilities against stronger opponents mirror issues that plagued Denver’s bench this year. Though he has a quick jump, his lack of height and reach could be problematic against taller, lengthier bigs in the league. This limitation might not impact his performance as a bench player, but it could perpetuate existing weaknesses for the Nuggets.
Stretch Ability
In the modern NBA, a center with a face-up game is valuable, but Filipowski’s potential range remains unclear. Over two college seasons, he shot a combined 27.3% from three-point range, which doesn’t inspire confidence. His 71.8% free-throw shooting indicates some level of proficiency, yet it doesn’t suggest immediate deep-shooting capability. His offensive game is predominantly paint-based, raising concerns about his effectiveness if he can’t secure his desired positions through strength or cunning.
Filipowski’s draft prospects are intriguing, but they come with significant questions. His height and offensive skill set offer potential, particularly if the Nuggets need a versatile big man. However, his defensive limitations and uncertain shooting range are critical factors to consider. If the Nuggets find themselves with Filipowski available at their pick, they must weigh his potential contributions against these concerns.
In conclusion, Kyle Filipowski presents a mixed bag of potential and uncertainty. His height and offensive touch inside the paint make him an appealing option, but his defensive shortcomings and inconsistent shooting range pose notable risks. The Nuggets must carefully evaluate whether Filipowski can effectively fit into their system and address their needs. His selection would signal a strategic decision to develop his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses, aiming to turn his unique skill set into a valuable asset for the team.
