An aggressive Kelly Olynyk would give the Celtics a huge boost in the 2017 playoffs. For a defensive minded team, and one which can struggle offensively, Olynyk has proven he can be an offensive spark plug.
For those who have accepted Kelly Olynyk’s role as simply another rotation player, remember where he came from. The Gonzaga product, drafted 13th overall, entered the NBA as a “stretch four” with a skill set akin to Dirk Nowitzki.
That’s not to say anybody expected him to be the next Nowitzki. That’s a tall task, though he has the height to do it (both are seven footers). Olynyk can shoot from anywhere on the floor, is a good passer, and can play in the post.
More from Celtics News
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
Olynyk should stay on the bench as his numbers indicate that’s where he thrives, but we should consider him as more than another rotation player. In 69 regular season games in which he played off the bench, Olynyk scored 8.9 points per game, brought down 4.7 rebounds, created 1.9 assists, had a field goal percentage of 52.1, and shot 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.
It would benefit the Celtics if Olynyk played closer to what we expect of a “sixth man,” someone who can come off the bench and impact the game on a nightly basis. For instance, with Brad Stevens severely cutting Amir Johnson’s minutes against the Washington Wizards, Olynyk is capable of helping Al Horford soak up the extra minutes.
Chris Herring of FiveThirtyEight points out in his recent article that with Johnson’s absence, Horford is the Celtics only post player, responsible for playing the post and stretching the floor. Olynyk should be able to relieve Horford without any hiccups on the offensive end of the floor. Theoretically, if he were to be the lone post player, he could make Marcin Gortat defend him out on the three point line.
This would create a lack of rebounding, but with Stevens already asking for a five man effort on rebounds, it’s a risk worth considering. Besides, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, and Jae Crowder have proven to rebound well for their position. Also, Olynyk has proven he can create his own offense by putting the ball on the floor. This would take pressure off of Isaiah Thomas to score as the primary scorer.
Olynyk has shown flashes of high level offensive production throughout the 2017 playoffs. For examples, look no further than games four and five of the first round series with Chicago Bulls and the game one against the Washington Wizards. In game one against the Wizards, he scored 12 points in 18 minutes of action. He shot 5 for 7 from the field, 2 for 2 from the three point line while bringing down 4 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists.
Next: Boston Celtics Week in Review- 5/5
It’s those types of stat-sheet stuffing nights that provide a major boost to the Celtics playing winning basketball. Olynyk is a unique player on this Celtics team, and the Celtics could benefit from his aggressiveness.