The 2024 NBA Draft brought its fair share of surprises, but one of the most controversial moments came when Duke’s standout center Kyle Filipowski was passed over by all 30 teams in the first round. This unexpected snub did not go unnoticed, especially by 2024 NBA champion Jayson Tatum, who quickly took to social media to voice his disapproval.
Jayson Tatum, a fellow Duke alumnus and current star for the Boston Celtics, expressed his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter. Tatum’s post was direct and unequivocal: “Lot of teams gone regret passing up on Flip.”
Tatum’s endorsement of Filipowski highlights the former Blue Devil’s impressive skill set and potential. Filipowski, a versatile 7-foot center, is widely regarded as one of the best offensive players in his draft class. Over his two seasons at Duke, he earned All-ACC and All-American honors. In his sophomore season, he averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field.
Despite his impressive college stats and accolades, Filipowski’s draft stock took a hit due to perceived shortcomings in his athleticism. Critics argue that while he has the size, passing ability, and shooting range to be an asset in the NBA, his lack of explosiveness and agility could limit his effectiveness at the professional level. However, Tatum and other supporters believe these concerns are overblown and that Filipowski’s skills will translate well to the NBA.
Tatum’s frustration is also rooted in his team’s draft choices. The Boston Celtics selected Creighton wing Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick in the first round. While Scheierman is a promising talent, Tatum’s comment suggests that he believes Filipowski could have been a valuable addition to the Celtics roster. With their next pick not coming until the 54th overall, it’s unlikely the Celtics will have another opportunity to draft Filipowski.
The disappointment of being overlooked in the first round was palpable for Filipowski. After the draft, he was seen in a somber moment backstage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. His fiancée, Caitlin Hutchison, was by his side, offering comfort during what was undoubtedly a difficult time. The couple shared a quiet hug outside the green room, a poignant scene that captured the emotional toll of the draft night.
Despite the initial setback, Filipowski remains optimistic about his NBA prospects. He will head to ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan for the second round of the draft on Thursday. As the top remaining player on many draft boards, Filipowski is expected to be one of the first selections in the second round. His blend of size, skill, and shooting ability makes him a coveted prospect, and it would be surprising if he remains available for long.
From a journalistic standpoint, Filipowski’s draft experience underscores the unpredictability and emotional intensity of the NBA Draft. Players with proven track records and high expectations can find themselves unexpectedly overlooked, while teams make decisions based on a complex calculus of potential and perceived weaknesses.
Tatum’s public defense of Filipowski adds an interesting layer to the narrative, highlighting the solidarity among former Duke players and sparking debate about the drafting strategies of NBA teams. Tatum’s belief in Filipowski’s potential serves as a reminder that talent evaluation is far from an exact science, and sometimes, the best prospects can slip through the cracks.
Kyle Filipowski’s journey to the NBA is just beginning, and his draft night disappointment may well serve as fuel for his professional career. With champions like Jayson Tatum in his corner, Filipowski has both the talent and the support to prove his doubters wrong. As the second round of the draft approaches, all eyes will be on this promising center to see where his journey takes him next.
Comments