Utah Jazz Rookies Show Potential in Loss to Toronto Raptors

The Utah Jazz saw its rookie class flash its potential in a loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

Mar 14, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski (22) attempts to dunk the ball during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The Utah Jazz are chasing the bottom of the NBA standings. The Jazz sit at 15-52 with the Wizards posting a 14-51 mark to date. These two have the inside track to top three NBA Draft Lottery Odds to land the big finish in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg.

The Duke prospect is exactly what the Jazz are missing, a true potential superstar to be the centerpiece of a team that is littered with potential role players.

On Friday, the Jazz had an interesting tanking battle with the Toronto Raptors in a game that, frankly, both teams hoped to lose. it was Utah who earned a 126-118 loss but more important than the final score was the play from the Jazz rookies.

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Jazzmen selected Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski. Collier has been more than impressive in his first year, Filipowski has shown flashes in a crowded front court and Williams is still trying to feel out the NBA game.

On Friday, all three first-year prospects got the start. Collier posted 16 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a steal on 6-for-11 shooting. Filipowski turned in an 18 point and 11 rebounud double-double to go along with three assists, two blocks and a steal. Then, Williams got up to six points and four rebounds in 26 minutes.

Over the course of the season, Collier has shown signs of a true lead guard and this game was no different.

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