Unlike most contenders who went far in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks are going to be stuck with an aging core led by the All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. One way to resolve that predicament is by selecting Duke center Kyle Filipowski in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft and developing him from there.
After playing for several high school teams, Filipowski ended up being a five-star recruit and one of the best players in the Class of 2022. From there, he played two seasons at Duke as their starting center.

Right from the get-go Filipowski nailed his job as the team’s primary big man. In the two seasons he played there, the 7′ center averaged 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also connected 53 percent of his field goals, 31 percent from beyond the arc, and 71 percent from the free throw line.
As seen in his game, Filipowski has shown flashes of dominance on both ends of the court. Even though his two stints at Duke never led to an NCAA championship run, the potential he has shown may be enough to garner the attention of NBA teams.
Why Duke’s Kyle Filipowski Makes Sense For Milwaukee Bucks’ Draft Plans

As it stands, the Bucks have two picks in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. In an article by Brian Sampson for Forbes, Filipowski is among the big men who can play under head coach Doc Rivers and the Greek Freak for next season.
“Kyle Filipowski is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Edey. He’s essentially a guard trapped in a big’s body. Filipowski can handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations, boasts impressive playmaking skills, and has the potential to become a reliable three-point shooter.
However, he’s not nearly the defender that some of the other prospects are. If the Bucks decide to draft Filipowski, it could signal their readiness to transition Giannis Antetokounmpo into more of a center role—a move they’ve been hesitant to make in the past. Yet, this shift might be exactly what the Bucks need to reignite their championship aspirations,” Sampson wrote.
While they also need to bolster their guard rotation, getting Filipowski may address their center situation, especially with Brook Lopez getting older. The Bucks may have to spend either their 23rd or 33rd pick on the Duke star if they really want him.

It remains to be seen where Filipowski will end up playing next season. In any case, Milwaukee is shaping up to be one of the best options for the Duke big man soon.

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