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Kelly Olynyk May Become Obsolete

By Joshua Bateman

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Despite the fact that Tyler Zeller was one of the more promising offensive weapons for the Boston Celtics last season, he still saw slightly fewer minutes per game than Kelly Olynyk. Zeller maintained his status at starter but often had to sit in favour of the stretch 5.

Brad Stevens loves any kinds of bigs that can stretch the floor but to get it out of his center allowed for a lot of creativity in his match ups. Olynyk brings something that very few centers are capable of doing and his youth has left Stevens with a lot of hope for his future.

The problem is that Olynyk will not be able to maintain his role if he does not improve other areas of his game. Last season, Olynyk’s 34.9% from beyond the arc was one of the team leaders and certainly helped with one of the overall worst three point shooting teams in the NBA.

Mar 20, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

If things go according to plan for the Celtics, that 34.5% will not be nearly as valuable this season. The Celtics have a lot of young players such as Jared Sullinger and Marcus Smart who have a great opportunity to improve their three point shooting from a year ago and they drafted R.J Hunter who may already have the best range on the team.

Throw in that Amir Johnson, who may even get opportunities at center, should be looking to add the three point shot to his arsenal and Olynyk’s shortcomings will overtake all the positives he can bring on the court.

The biggest obstacle for Olynyk is the complete non existence of his rim protection. Even per 36 minutes Olynyk had just 1 block per game last season. The Celtics understand the importance of defense and their guard minutes have always reflected that. The Celtics understand that until they get proper rim protection they will not be able to contend and there are now many options better than Olynyk.

Jordan Mickey is already significantly ahead of Olynyk and even if Zeller does not do much either, he certainly puts up more resistance than Olynyk. Throw in that Amir Johnson may be able to give minor contributions blocking the ball and Olynyk will struggle to have a place on the team.

Unless Olynyk makes a huge leap on the defensive end, the only reason to have him in the game is because of his much the team struggles shooting the three ball. If all goes according to plan, the Celtics will be much improved shooting the three ball and then every player Olynyk is competing with becomes more important.

Olynyk is still young enough that can he add to his game but his lack of athleticism is concerning. There is no chance Olynyk will be able to compete with Mickey and both Zeller and Johnson are superior athletes. Olynyk will have to begin doing a lot more of the little things to give him an edge over his competition.

Apr 15, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) grabs a rebound against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Olynyk also does very little to help on the boards. He collected just 4.7 total rebounds per game and does not break double digits per 36 minutes. He has a total rebounding percentage at just 11.7% and once again he is near the bottom of the list of bigs when it comes to rebounding.

Other than Jonas Jerebko, Olynyk was the best three point shooting big on the team and that offensive edge was incredibly valuable to the Celtics last season. A lot will be changed this season and three point shooting may be the team’s most improved area.

The Celtics may never get another center that can shoot the three ball as well as Olynyk but it is starting to look like they may no longer need a center than can shoot the three ball, especially is that is the only thing he does well.

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