Kyle Filipovski's full scouting report
school: duke
nationality: united states of america
Year: 20
position: PF/C
size: 7'0″, 248 lbs.
Kyle Filipovski could have been a first-round pick last year, but he returned to Duke and ultimately raised his NBA Draft stock.
The sophomore was the Blue Devils' clear No. 1 option and someone opponents had to game plan around. But as he moves from college to the NBA, his role will change and he will become more of a complementary piece.
Filipovski has honed and expanded on certain skills that allow him to easily adapt to the NBA, especially shooting, passing, and defense. He is currently the leading candidate to be the first NCAA big man selected in June.
But scouts continue to debate Filipovski's ceiling and whether it maxes out as a frontcourt reserve, starting role player or borderline star.
Expected role: Big stretch, pick and roll/pop
comparison: Santi Aldama, Moritz Wagner, Kelly Olynyk
There was hope last year that Filipovski might emulate larger perimeter scorers like Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, but his shot creation and shot-making aren't as fluid. . He is similar to Memphis Grizzlies big man Santi Aldama, whose range, size, and skill level allow him to play in spot-up or pick-and-roll/pop roles.
Filipovski probably won't spend as much time dominating the basket in the NBA as he did at Duke, especially if he plays as a forward next to center.
Filipovski will ultimately be most utilized and valued for his ability to use his handle to initiate fast breaks, stretch the floor and pass out of the post.
Draft ceiling: top 10
Draft floor: Midway through the first round
With several key skills improved, Filipovski appears to be a better fit and safer player for the NBA. His potential to play as a No. 4 or No. 5 should mean there are more suitors for the 7-footer.
It still seems impossible for him to break into the top five. However, if a young prospect with a lot of upside is removed from the roster, Filipovski should start attracting attention in the mid-to-late game lottery.
More teams may pass on him due to questions about his shooting legitimacy (given his struggles at the free throw line), ability to create, and defensive ability to protect the rim. But he makes 3-pointers per game, has a good assist percentage, handles the ball in the open floor, and has the ability to free fall for a 7-footer taking charge of games at one of the top programs in the country. It's hard to imagine.
Even in the worst-case scenario, he's still a standout reserve due to his offensive versatility.
At 7'0″ tall and 248 pounds, Filipovski has the size and strength to be an NBA center. However, he doesn't have the necessary length, as he last measured in. Because he had a negative wingspan, which is unusual for a big player, that's going to affect him more, he's going to be away from the basket less.
Athletically, Filipovski has better agility than explosiveness. He can change direction with the ball and get to his spots. Defensively, he showed great foot speed to close down spaces.
Offensively, he may have a hard time getting away from the shot blocker if he doesn't have the strength or momentum to step on him. But he had more than 20 dunks during the regular season, and with his runway, Filipovski showed off some athletic pop on his finishes.
big ball handling and passing
Filipowski hasn't been able to dramatically increase his scoring output this year, but his increased ability to read high-level passes has made him a more effective offensive player. He is a versatile threat from the post due to his vision and his advantageous height.
He also shows off some playmaking, including attacking a closeout and then dropping a live dribble pass.
Possibility of shooting
Filipovskiy has made more threes this year, despite attempting them at about the same rate as last season. He has been hitting comfortable, balanced shots since high school, mostly from the catch.
Playing as a No. 4, he will have more time spacing the floor from the wing for pick-and-popping. He's not completely consistent, but the threat is there.
paint scoring
Filipovski finished this year with more success and physicality around the basket. He can use his footwork and strength to carve out space from under the rim and create layup angles.
Filipowski has the ability to rip and go either way and is a tough cover from short corners. With your back to the basket, you can spin, drop step, or pivot for high-probability shots.
Filipovski's limited explosiveness takes some chances away from him, but he should still be a key option.
creative turnaround
Against power forwards, Filipovski may struggle to step up or create separation in face-up situations. High center of gravity, no blow-by bursts or explosions.
Filipowski could be a threat near the post, but it's unlikely his future team will use him there consistently throughout the game.
free throw
Filipovski's free throw percentage was below 70 percent for most of the season. While this means leaving points for players who make more contact inside, it also raises some questions about his 3-point shooting outlook and the validity of his increased success rate.
Improvement in defense
Filipovskiy didn't block shots at a high rate for a 7-footer. Due to his lack of length and verticality, he is not expected to be a key asset in rim protection.
Filipovski has shown promising signs of peripheral foot speed, but realistically he won't lock down the forwards. He just has to avoid being disadvantaged in space.
