SUMMARY
- Kyle Filipowski fell from being a first-round prospect to a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
- His girlfriend, Caitlin Hutchinson is viewed as the biggest reason of his downfall since their age gap seemed a little questionable to teams.
Before the 2024 NBA Draft, Kyle Filipowski was viewed as a first-round prospect. Going into college, the 20-year-old was a five-star recruit that Duke welcomed with arms wide open. In two years of college ball, Filipowski earned quite a few accolades such as ACC Tournament MVP, ACC Rookie of the Year, an ACC All-Freshman team selection, and First and Second-Team All-ACC selections as well.
Not only was Filipowski a talented big man, but he was also a double-double machine. The seven-footer averaged 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game in two years. It genuinely seemed like Kyle was a designated first-round pick, however, the entire scenario changed following his pro workouts and draft combine appearances.
Kyle Filipowski’s family members accuse Caitlin Hutchinson of manipulating and grooming him
Kyle Filipowski ended up being looked over during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. And people are starting to believe that it has something to do with his girlfriend, Caitlin Hutchinson. The female, who is significantly older was accused of “grooming” and manipulating Kyle according to alleged family members on X. These accounts that expose Hutchinson on social media posed as his brother and mother.
Kyle Filipowski’s brother and MOM are on here revealing how his girlfriend groomed him into mormon culture and cut him off from his family
…and now he ends up with the Utah Jazz 😭 pic.twitter.com/Q3PXlrqYJ7
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) June 27, 2024
Several sources have tried to reach out to the alleged family members but were unsuccessful. Hutchinson is just over five years older than Filipowski, who will be turning 21 later this year. Teams were a little skeptical of him for various reasons including this. But Filipowski ended up becoming the 32nd overall pick in the draft to the Utah Jazz.
NBA insider reveals why Kyle Filipowski dropped to the second round
Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported that teams were slightly concerned over the situation that conspired between Kyle Filipowski, his girlfriend, and his family. However, it wasn’t the only issue that caused teams to pass up on him during the draft. Givony also added, “There are no questions about his character, but NBA teams are talking about his nerves and his workouts weren’t great. And when they asked him about the situation in interviews, the answers they got weren’t satisfactory for them.”
this was @DraftExpress‘s latest segment on Kyle on ESPN from a half hour or so ago
maybe @JeremyWoo @kpelton @ZachLowe_NBA can help connect you to Givony for your chance to tell the full story pic.twitter.com/LrujmqNlEe
— sewsgup (@sewsgup) June 27, 2024
Givony also expressed his confusion over why teams chose his off-court situation to determine his fate in the NBA Draft. Filipowski’s underwhelming workouts could’ve possibly been due to the rising situation off the court.