Kyle Filipowski NBA Draft slide: Why Duke’s projected 1st round pick wasn’t drafted on Day 1, explored

Duke Blue Devils power forward Kyle Filipowski was widely projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but that didn't end up happening. Instead, Filipowski is one of the top-ranked players heading into the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.

Filipowski was ranked as the 21st player in the draft by ESPN, which now lists him as the second-best player available heading into the second round. However, Bleacher Report says his athleticism was a major concern for NBA teams, likely contributing to his slide.

"Despite his 6'11" size, strong passing ability and shooting ability beyond the arc, Filipowski fell on draft boards in large part due to his lack of athleticism... While Filipowski's below-average athleticism could justify his fall in most drafts, it's a bit confusing in a class considered one of the weakest of the 21st century," Tyler Conway wrote.

Another reason Kyle Filipowski fell out of the first round is his fit in the NBA. An unnamed college head coach spoke to The Athletic and said he had some concerns about Filipowski's defense and where he fits in the league.

“I think he’s a good player. My big thing for him, for that league, is: What position? Where he struggled this year was when he played against bigger guys – not necessarily height, but guys who had the physicality to stand up to him," the coach said to The Athletic.

Meanwhile, according to Yahoo!'s Krysten Peek, Filipowski didn't impress teams during the combine or interviews, whereas other players leapfrogged him after successful workouts and meetings.

"Filipowski falling in the first round doesn’t necessarily reflect his body of work, but that other players have higher ceilings and are rising after workouts and team meetings," Peek wrote.

ESPN mocks Filipowski to go 31st overall to Toronto, while CBS projects him to go 34th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Kyle Filipowski's college career at Duke

Kyle Filipowski played two years at Duke as he committed to the Blue Devils as a five-star recruit in the class of 2022.

In his first season at Duke, Filipowski averaged 15.1 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He had a much better sophomore season as he averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

After a solid sophomore season, Kyle Filipowski declared for the 2024 NBA draft despite having more years at college available.