The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching the 2024 NBA Draft with a sense of urgency to find a player who can contribute in the short-term with long-term upside that's also worth exploring. It's a lofty goal at No. 17 overall, but one that has a precedent for success.
As the Lakers evaluate their options in the buildup to the annual selection process, one player seems to be gaining traction in mock drafts: Duke Blue Devils big man Kyle Filipowski.
Filipowski played two seasons at Duke, garnering accolades and rave reviews in both campaigns. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year and earned All-ACC Second Team honors in 2022-23 after averaging 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals on a 27-9 Blue Devils team that reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
In 2023-24, the sophomore sensation averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 blocks. and 1.1 steals while leading Duke to 27 wins and a trip to the Elite Eight.
Fresh off of Second-Team All-American and All-ACC First Team recognition, Filipowski is at the heart of NBA Draft speculation. His improvement on both ends of the floor has been undeniable, but some question if there are physical limitations that will impact his ability to translate to the next level.
The question is: What exactly does his draft profile look like when weighing the pros and cons?