Kyle Filipowski Scouting Report: Offense
Kyle Filipowski is a 7-foot big man for Duke. The sophomore returned to Duke after a productive freshman season and he's been even more impressive so far during his sophomore campaign.
He's averaging 18 points, 3.1 assists, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 75.4% from the free throw line through two seasons and 31% from three this season (36 attempts and 6.5 3PA per 100 possessions). Additionally, he meets the four criteria of the most difficult Productive Sophomore Query threshold, a threshold in which, if met, 71% of sophomores that qualify play five or more years in the NBA.
Introduction
Overall, Filipowski is an intriguing NBA draft prospect due to the multitude of ways he can provide value on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he uses tremendous footwork to score with ease in the paint, is capable of stretching the floor with a developing catch-and-shoot jumper (most useful in pick-and-pop scenarios), and is also capable of putting the ball on the floor with a fluidity that is rare for someone his size. This could be useful for him in short roll scenarios, when he sees open space, when attacking closeouts, or potentially even driving from the perimeter himself down the line. He's also a skilled passer who makes sound reads, especially from the post.
Offensive Breakdown
Post Ups
Getting buckets in the post is Filipowski's bread and butter at the college level, and he does so with crafty footwork and a soft touch near the rim.
While Filipowski's post moves are impressive and the Duke big man is in the 86th percentile in post up (including passes) possessions this season, the NBA is moving away from post-ups unless the player is extremely high level from this area. However, the footwork and soft touch the sophomore displays is still useful as a play finisher and when playing near the dunker spot -- a baseline skill for frontcourt players in today's NBA.
Struggling To Finish Against Length at Times
On the other hand, Filipowski can sometimes struggle finishing through length -- likely due to a lack of verticality shown at times. It should be noted that his is attempting to finish against two other NBA prospects, Keshad Johnson of Arizona and Yves Missi of Baylor, in the three clips below.
This lack of finishing against length at times, due to a lack of verticality, may impact his ability to be effective in post-ups in the NBA. Additionally and more importantly, it impacts his potential trajectory as a pick-and-roll finisher. While his soft touch around the rim is evident at times, Filipowski is only converting 60.4% (57% on layups) of his attempts at the rim and has only ten dunks so far this season. Scouts may be looking for a number more in the 70%+ range for a 7-footer. Lastly, finishing over length is important for a pick-and-roll finisher.
Pick-And-Roll Finishing
This is not to say that Filipowski is unable to be effective as a roller to the basket and finisher, as it's actually quite the opposite currently. However, his lack of finishing against length at times is more something to consider when projecting his role at the next level. Here's a few clips of Filipowski finishing plays off the pick-and-roll below:
Developing Shooter
Outside of the paint, Filipowski also has the potential to bring value on the offensive end for an NBA team. A career 75% free-throw shooter over two seasons, his jumper has a fluid energy transfer and is consistent from attempt to attempt. He's shooting 33.3% on catch-and-shoot threes this season (30 attempts), while he only converted 29% of catch-and-shoot threes last season. Continuing to develop as a shooter will make Filipowski even more effective in the pick-and-roll, allowing him to pop to the three point line more frequently and help space the floor in the NBA.
Driving Ability
Additionally, one of Filipowski's most impressive traits is his fluidity as a driver for a 7-footer. This is evident from the perimeter, attacking closeouts, or could even be useful in short roll situations. Combine this with his developing shooting ability and the Duke prospect can be a legitimate threat from the perimeter to attack a rotating defense.
Ability as a Passer
Lastly, Filipowski makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He has the two most important baseline for traits for players on the offensive end in the NBA today: making sound reads with the ball in your hands and (developing) perimeter shooting. While most of his passing highlights are from the post, Filipowski is developing as a decision-maker off of drives as well. Two of those plays are highlighted below:
Conclusion
All in all, while Filipowski is intriguing as an offensive prospect, it's true that scouts could evaluate his game in a variety of ways. If you believe that he can continue to develop his jumper, then a 7-footer who can shoot off of pick-and-pops, is a fluid driver, and can make sound decisions with the ball in his hand is a solid baseline.
However, if a scout doesn't believe in his shot, they may wonder what role Filipowski could fill offensively in the NBA. Does he develop further as a driver or self-creator? Is he good enough in the post to be an offensive hub in that area? Could he fulfill a role where he provides value as a finisher and passer from the short roll?
The latter is most likely, as the short roll would combine his strengths in decision-making and soft touch (when not bothered by length), yet it's still a difficult projection due to his lack of repetitions in that area.
The talent and productivity is undoubtable for a player like Filipowski. It will be important to watch how he continues to develop as the season progresses and continue to monitor how else he can fit into an NBA offense.
All play-by-play data referenced is courtesy of Synergy Sports.
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