NBA Mock Draft: Kyle Filipowski Fits in With Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is one of the youngest teams in the NBA and is preparing for a first-round playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Orlando's rebuild has gone faster than planned, and with a summer to develop existing talent and add draft picks, expect significant improvement for the second straight season.
While Orlando will be selecting later than usual due to this season's success, Fox Sports has them selecting 16th in their first mock draft of the season. With that selection, the Orlando Magic take Kyle Filipowski from Duke.
Mar 31, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Kyle Filipowski (30) reacts in the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the finals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airline Center.
© Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Filipowski spent two years with the Blue Devils and worked his way up to becoming a near-lottery selection. He can space the floor, handle the ball, and pass well for a center. While there are some concerns with his explosives and athleticism, he is expected to be a solid modern center in the NBA.
The biggest concern with him is his ability to guard quicker players one-on-one. On offense, he can be a hub to find shooters or dish the ball to Paolo Banchero on the open floor. He can also step outside the paint and knock down some shots, which is desperately needed in Orlando.
In two seasons at Duke, Filipowski averaged 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and shot 47.3 percent from the floor and 34.8 percent from deep. He would be unlikely to slot into the starting lineup for Orlando but would pair well off the bench with Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. He could also play substantial minutes with the starting five when Jonathan Isaac or Wendell Carter Jr. get hurt without being too detrimental as a rookie big man.
While the Magic is expected to run it back next season, expect whoever gets selected in the first round to play a sizable role. They won't rival Franz Wagner and Banchero, but they will get meaningful minutes on a true contender.
