The Utah Jazz have signed rookie Kyle Filipowski, who was selected in the second round of the NBA draft from Duke University. The team announced the signing on Monday, with Filipowski receiving a four-year, $12 million contract. This deal is notable as it represents the largest contract for a second-round pick in the last two years, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Utah utilized its remaining $3 million in cap space to secure Filipowski.
The contract structure includes full guarantees for the first two years, while the third year is non-guaranteed, and the fourth year includes a team option. This flexibility allows the Jazz to assess Filipowski’s development over time while providing the player with some security early in his career. The details of the contract were reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Filipowski’s selection at the 32nd pick was somewhat unexpected, given his strong performance at Duke over two seasons. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game during his college career, including an impressive sophomore season. Despite his college success, he faced challenges in the early stages of the NBA Summer League.
Filipowski struggled initially in the Summer League, going scoreless in his first game and scoring just four points in his second. However, he showed improvement as the games progressed, finishing with averages of 11 points, six rebounds, 1.9 assists, and one steal per game.
His performance in the latter part of the Summer League demonstrated his potential, and he will aim to continue his development during his rookie season with the Jazz.
