Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
A shoulder injury near the end of last season required surgery. The timetable for his return is sometime next month, but could spill into the start of the regular season. Unsure of how he will perform once he’s back on the floor, that’s likely to cool teams off from inquiring about him too much.
But Olynyk is very much a player to keep an eye on in terms of trade possibilities. He has a tremendous offensive skillset when it comes to shooting or putting the ball on the floor. But throughout his time in Boston, he has been inconsistent with his play. Far too often he will look to get others involved when he has the greatest mismatch for the Celtics to exploit. It’s a tough balancing act, for sure. Better recognition is one of those things Olynyk has to get better at.
Because with him, it’s not about whether he’s talented enough to be an impact player in the NBA. It’s about utilizing what he can do, as well as he can and do so consistently.
As the season progresses, there will be some teams like his hometown Toronto Raptors that will recognize all those traits and try and convince the Celtics to part ways with him.
Is this a make or break year for Kelly Olynyk?
I’m betting expectations will be high for the 25-year old Olynyk as he enters his 4th season. Now is the time to see some consistent, aggressive play. (And is it really too much to ask that a 7 footer average more than 4 rebounds per game?)
The Celtics have Olynyk under control for two more years so his salary isn’t a problem. And it’s not like a mega-extension is looming a la Giannis Antetokounempo. The man taken two picks after Olynyk just signed a $100 million extension with the Bucks.
Kelly could play well this season and still be moved. With Trader Danny at the helm, we all know no one on this roster is safe.
On Page 2, let’s watch Jaylen Brown go between the legs on the dunk.
Often @FCHWPO #Cs pic.twitter.com/5OyN24Z9Wz
— Demetrius Jackson (@D_Jay11) September 20, 2016
(h/t Jay King)
