What im starting to think the problem with KO is based on his skillset,(ball handling, stretching floor) A lot of his strengths aren't going to be able to be utilized much being the 3rd to 4th option on possessions (at times which is agreeable). His weaknesses are far more needed on this team then his strengths. Kinda like the the guy the coach goes " Heck of a player, I really liked him but..." I personally think he's one of a kind. He either gets hungry and plays like he;s the best player on the floor or goes packing
I disagree, but each to their own!
I don't feel like there is anything that KO does especially poorly, that most other guys at his position do far better.
For example I'd say that KO's biggest weakness is his lack of rim protection, but then there are a LOT of players out there at both front court positions that have the same weakness, but still remain effective NBA players.
I think Dirk Nowitski and Kevin Love are two excellent examples of guys who share a lot of Olynyk's weaknesses, yet were still able to be dominant NBA players.
Olynyk obviously lacks Love's rebounding, and isn't as good a shooter as Dirk, but both of those guy rely on a combination of skill and high BBIQ to make up for what they somewhat lack in other areas of their game. Both guys have managed to excel despite being poor defensive players, and having a more 'perimeter oriented' game.
I know Dirk was pretty mobile early in his career, but he was able to dominate well in to his 30s despite a lack of post game, lack of defensive ability, and lack of rebounding ability.
Love was a strong post player early in his career, but he's transformed into a (pretty much entirely) perimeter oriented player over his last couple of seasons and has shown little semblance of a post game.
Could see Olynyk having a long and solid career as a poor man's Dirk/Love. Kind of like a higher IQ version of Andrei Bargnani. I could see him developing in to a 17/8/3 guy and a solid 'team defender' by the time all is said and done.
I guess only time will tell, but in today's NBA I feel there will almost always be a spot on a team for a guy with KO's skill set - a 7 footer who can shoot, dribble and pass while also rebounding at a decent rate.
I guess his biggest weakness is his unique combination of mediocre foot-speed, mediocre physical strength and poor length. There are other guys out there at the PF/C spots who lack one or the other, but there aren't many guys who lack all three.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
It's a shame KO is so lacking in the physical gifts, because he is such an incredibly intelligent and skilled basketball player. If he had any one of (a) length, (b) strength or (c) agility he'd have star potential.
