Every one knew Olynyk could shoot. That's not what people were concerned about. It's that he won't be able to defend and rebound in NBA - he's soft. Soft bigs aren't effective - I find them rather annoying and, objectively, they're shopped around the league throughout their careers.
Pau gasol and Dirk would disagree
Can't mention those two names in a thread about Olynyk.
Hahah- I think I have yet to see and Olynyk thread where someone DOESN'T mention Nowitzki. Maybe we could all try to stick to less accomplished soft-white-seven-foot-shooters? You probably have Andrea Bargnani in mind?
How about a 7 foot, lesser-rebounding Ersan Ilyasova?
I don't think Ilyasova has the guard skills that Olynyk does. They're both stretch 4's but very different.
I still insist Bargnani with his head screwed on right and less talented physically is probably the closest comparison in terms of caliber and style. Even then it's not a completely apt comparison.
Gasol and Nowitzki are comparisons because they are, after all, 7 footers with guard skills and actually actively employ these skills as a major part of their game(so no Anthony Davis).
Kukoc? Depending on how much Olynyk can use his skills in the league, maybe a poor man's Kukoc.
Diaw probably compares nicely because of his weird measurements for a big (being the other way round, undersized with huge wingspan) and his weird amalgamation of skills.
Also, Scola is a likely case scenario - if Olynyk's skills don't transfer.
He's just bizarre with his range, measurements, athleticism (he's quick but he can't jump and isn't laterally quick?), his defense (a subpar defender so far but hustles? What!?).
To quote someone, hopefully Olynyk will be the first Olynyk, as in he makes a name for himself, not the second Nowitzki. Much like Rondo is the first Rondo.