Celtics' Jayson Tatum: NBA Teams Will Regret Not Drafting Kyle Filipowski in Round 1

Duke center Kyle Filipowski was arguably the most surprising name not called in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, and Jayson Tatum thinks teams will live to regret that decision.

Filipowski starred for two seasons at Duke, earning All-ACC and All-American honors during his sophomore season. Despite his 6'11" size, strong passing ability and shooting ability beyond the arc, Filipowski fell on draft boards in large part due to his lack of athleticism.

Tatum is including his own team among those who will regret passing on Filipowski, as the Celtics selected Creighton guard Baylor Scheierman with the final pick in Round 1. Boston does not pick again until No. 54 overall, so it's unlikely Filipowski and Tatum will be teammates next season.

While Filipowski's below-average athleticism could justify his fall in most drafts, it's a bit confusing in a class considered one of the weakest of the 21st century. Several players whose resumes pale in comparison to Filipowski's went before him Wednesday night, with even some contending teams choosing to roll the dice on projects rather than take a relatively safe selection.

Even if Filipowski never turns into a starter, his ability to stretch the floor at his size and his IQ playing within a system stand out. He can fit on nearly any NBA roster and find playing time as a seventh or eighth man, which should be considered a win in this class.

It would be a surprise if Filipowski lasted very long into Round 2. The Toronto Raptors hold the No. 31 overall pick and could take Filipowski themselves or negotiate a trade with a team that wants to move up.

It's clear NBA front offices grade Filipowski lower than most fans—and clearly some players—but he has too much offensive talent to fall much more. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman has Filipowski going No. 34 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers. He is considered the top overall player remaining on the board.