Kyle Filipowski gave the Utah Jazz plenty to like during his second NBA season. He averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 77 games, improving in all three categories from his rookie campaign while making 41 starts. For a former second-round pick still early in his development, Year 2 represented another encouraging step forward. His reward entering Year 3 was a more complicated path to minutes. Utah's frontcourt has changed around Filipowski. Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived last season, while the Jazz added Jaxson Hayes this summer and retained Mo Bamba, while Lauri Markkanen remains one of Utah's primary offensive pieces. That's a crowded group, but Filipowski's versatility should give him more ways than most to find a role within it, because at 6-foot-11, Filipowski isn't limited to functioning as a traditional center. His 2.6 assists in 23.4 minutes per game last season provide one example of the secondary playmaking he can bring from the frontcourt, while his rebounding allows Hardy to use him around the basket without sacrificing much size. There were also nights when that versatility translated into considerably larger production. Filipowski recorded 30 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists in one of his biggest performances of the season, offering a glimpse of the offensive variety Utah can get when his role expands. The Jazz don't need anything close to that every night. What they might need is more consistency from behind the arc. Filipowski shot 35 percent from three as a rookie before falling to 32.5 percent last season. That's particularly relevant now because Utah's additional frontcourt depth could require him to spend more minutes alongside another big rather than functioning primarily around the basket. If Filipowski becomes a more dependable perimeter shooter, those combinations become considerably easier for Hardy to construct. If he doesn't, playing him alongside a non-shooting center could create spacing concerns that make his versatility more difficult to maximize. Versatile reserve big might be the cleanest description of Filipowski's role entering 2026-27. Filipowski doesn't necessarily need a permanent starting position to remain important. Hardy can use him across different frontcourt combinations, lean on his rebounding and passing when necessary, and adjust his responsibilities depending on who's playing alongside him. And considering how much competition Utah added around him, that flexibility could become Filipowski's biggest advantage. There may be nights when Jackson or Markkanen pushes him toward a smaller role. There may be others when a matchup calls for more of his passing, rebounding, or offensive versatility. Filipowski already showed Utah how productive he can be when given an opportunity. A deeper frontcourt may prevent him from receiving the same 41 starts he made last season, but it shouldn't prevent Hardy from finding meaningful minutes for him. Filipowski's role may be harder to define entering Year 3. His combination of size, rebounding, passing, and offensive versatility should make it even harder for Utah to leave him out of the rotation. The Utah Jazz are looking to maximize their frontcourt depth, and Filipowski's adaptability will be crucial in achieving that goal. With his ability to play multiple positions and contribute in various ways, Filipowski is poised to remain a key player for the Jazz despite the increased competition. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Hardy utilizes Filipowski's unique skillset to create matchup problems for opposing teams. One thing is certain, however: Filipowski's versatility will be a valuable asset for the Utah Jazz in the 2026-27 season.