WCC in the NBA Orlando SL: Olynyk Helps Celtics to Victory
By James Pigott
Apr 9, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) shoots a three in the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Former Gonzaga star Kelly Olynyk and the Boston Celtics played their third summer league game, defeating the Detroit Pistons 92-90. Olynyk finished with 16 points on 6/16 shooting, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 6 personal fouls. While his scoring has been solid, he has yet to finish any of the three games with a shooting percentage higher than 47%. On certain plays he looked like the Olynyk we saw his redshirt junior year at Gonzaga, gliding to the basket and finishing with contact. Other times, he looked as though he was trying to force shots when he should’ve been more patient and passed the ball out to a guard to reset the offense.
And once again, he used up 6 personal fouls during the game. If he is having trouble guarding summer league big men then he should continue to have difficulties with more solidified athletic big men in the NBA next season. Since Olynyk is playing with weaker players than he would during the regular season, it makes sense why he is taking so many shots. In the NBA season, he’ll have fewer opportunities and will therefore have to take better shots.
Through three games, his performance has been anything but spectacular, but he has put in solid games which illustrate his offensive versatility and passing skills.