Kyle Filipowski Making a Strong Case for NBA Rookie of the Year
As the 2024-2025 NBA season progresses, one player who has steadily emerged as a serious contender for the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROTY) award is Kyle Filipowski. After being selected by the Indiana Pacers as the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Filipowski has proven to be one of the most impressive first-year players, making waves with his consistent performances and unique skill set. His recent play, in particular, has firmly placed him in the conversation for the prestigious award, with many analysts and fans alike starting to take notice of his potential.
Filipowski, who spent one season at Duke University before declaring for the draft, quickly transitioned to the professional game with a level of poise and maturity that belies his age. His versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game have been evident since his debut. Standing at 7-feet tall, he combines size with an ability to shoot from range, handle the ball, and make plays, giving him the potential to become a cornerstone for the Pacers’ future.
What has really set Filipowski apart recently, however, has been his exceptional all-around play. In a stretch of games over the past month, he has shown significant improvement in several key areas, particularly his scoring and rebounding. His ability to stretch the floor as a stretch five has been a revelation for the Pacers, making him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Filipowski is hitting 3-pointers at a respectable rate for a player of his size and is also improving his mid-range game, which gives him the flexibility to operate in both the post and from the perimeter.
His rebounding has been another standout aspect of his game. Filipowski’s length and timing have made him a force on the glass, and he is averaging a double-double with impressive efficiency. His willingness to battle on both ends of the floor, coupled with his basketball IQ, has allowed him to contribute in a way that many rookies cannot at this stage in their careers. His ability to read the game, get into the right positions, and make impactful plays has had a noticeable effect on his team’s success.
Defensively, Filipowski’s length and mobility give him the ability to guard multiple positions. He has shown flashes of elite shot-blocking, and his rim protection has been a key factor in helping the Pacers defend the paint. As he continues to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NBA, it’s likely that his defensive presence will only improve. Given his all-around abilities, he has the potential to become a two-way player who can impact the game on both ends of the court, a characteristic that would solidify his candidacy for Rookie of the Year.
What is perhaps most impressive is Filipowski’s ability to fit seamlessly into the Pacers’ system. Under head coach Rick Carlisle, the team has focused on high-paced offense and ball movement, and Filipowski has adapted well. His unselfishness, ability to read plays, and willingness to share the ball have made him an excellent fit with the Pacers’ young core, including the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton. The duo has shown strong chemistry on the court, with Filipowski’s ability to space the floor and run the floor alongside Haliburton creating mismatches for opponents.
As the season progresses, Kyle Filipowski’s case for Rookie of the Year grows stronger with each passing game. His impressive blend of scoring, rebounding, and defense, combined with his ability to make those around him better, makes him a unique and promising talent. If his current form continues, Filipowski may very well be holding the NBA’s most coveted rookie award at the end of the season, marking the beginning of what could be a highly successful career in the league.
