Everyone showed up to Las Vegas expecting Cooper Flagg to steal the show. But while the No. 1 overall pick rested on the bench, it was Kyle Filipowski — the often overlooked former Duke big man — who absolutely lit up the NBA Summer League. Dropping a scorching 35 points in a dominant performance against the Spurs, Filipowski didn’t just remind fans of his talent — he reintroduced himself as Duke’s most dangerous pro prospect on the court this week. If you thought all eyes would stay on Flagg, you weren’t watching Monday night.
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While the spotlight in Las Vegas has largely belonged to Cooper Flagg and the 2025 NBA rookie class, it’s Kyle Filipowski who’s stealing the show for Duke fans. The Utah Jazz big man exploded for 35 points and 11 rebounds in Monday night’s overtime thriller against the San Antonio Spurs, making a clear and loud statement: he’s ready for the leap.
Filipowski was a flamethrower from all over the floor — shooting 11-of-19 from the field and a blazing 5-of-9 from deep. He punished defenders in the post, stretched the floor with confidence, and even pulled out a late game-tying dunk off the dribble to send the contest to OT. At 6-foot-11, he’s proving to be far more than just a floor spacer — he’s a versatile weapon with sneaky handles and serious touch.
Despite the Jazz falling just short, 93-91 in overtime, Filipowski walked off the court as the most impressive player of the night — and maybe of the entire Summer League slate so far.
Even Duke Basketball had to show love. The Blue Devils posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Best player so far @NBASummerLeague‼️🎰 @kylefilipowski”
And they’re not wrong.
Through three Summer League games, Filipowski is leading all scorers, averaging 29.3 points per game on a blistering 56.1% shooting clip. He’s not just filling the stat sheet — he’s dominating with composure, confidence, and a feel for the game that’s impossible to ignore.
Just a year removed from being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Filipowski is looking more like a steal for the Utah Jazz. After a solid rookie campaign, he’s now making a serious case for a bigger role in Utah’s 2025-26 rotation. And if this Summer League run is any indication, it won’t be long before he’s a household name around the league.
What makes his rise even more impressive? He’s doing it all while the hype train is parked on Flagg’s tracks.
Flagg, who went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, drew massive buzz entering Summer League. And while his debut showed flashes of brilliance, the Mavs have since rested him to preserve health and avoid unnecessary risk. That left the floor wide open — and Filipowski seized the moment.
He’s not as flashy. He’s not the trending name. But right now? He’s the one dropping 30+ every night.
Filipowski’s rise isn’t just good news for Utah — it’s a proud moment for Duke. The Blue Devils sent a stacked class to the NBA this year, and Filipowski is quickly proving that he’s more than ready to carry the Duke legacy forward.
As the Summer League rolls on, all eyes will remain on Flagg. But don’t blink when Filipowski takes the floor — because he’s already making his case as Duke’s top NBA breakout star.
