If Olynyk lost 5-10 pounds can he play SF?

[Tr1boy]

Just an interesting question and want to see what people think.  This idea is pending Jeff Green or Wallace is no longer a celtic by the trade deadline and we don't draft a sf next year.

Imo i think its better for KO to go Skinny but fit vs putting on another 20 pounds  hoping he can handle things underneath the basket.  Even today Stevens is mainly using him as a SF out there on top of the three pt line.

The problem is, he is in no mans land, in terms of having a body closer to a C/PF, below avg wingspan and leap but would have some serious height adv as a sf.  No doubt he would face some challenges defensively going against the likes of Paul George and Durant but could have better success vs the nba pf/c who will usually match of be bigger in size and always have a longer wingspan.

Nowitski many say is a PF but imo is more like a SF.  And i've seen him be able to torch guys like Lebron on offense, due to his height alone but also hold his own defensively, bc he gets guys to beat him by shooting long jump shots over his height and reach. (low per shots)

Even if KOs three pt shot never becomes consistent, at least i can see him do a number underneath the basket on the offensive end.  90 percent of sf's in the nba would have problems handling him and due to loss of weight adding quickness and athleticism could hold his own defensively vs more athletic , quicker players. Thoughts on the idea?

[jambr380]

I've been a huge proponent of Kelly getting super fit and cut and going for the KG build. Obviously he will never be a super-athlete, but he could certainly improve upon his athleticism and jumping. For the type of mentality he has as a bball player (playmaker, shooter, great court awareness, not necessarily a rebounder), playing sf would be ideal for him.

I am not convinced he could ever handle the quickness of other sfs, but he could be a monster on offense. Gaining weight would be about the worst thing he could do.

[McHales Pits]

He could only be a Novak type small forward

[nickagneta]

No

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

Nowhere near the necessary lateral speed to make it work.

[Celtics4ever]

He could lose 100 and still not play it.  I don't think he has it in his genes to get cut.   The only super cut he will get is at Supercuts!

[ManUp]

Of course he could in the same way he "COULD" play point guard and shooting guard.

Let's keep the slow 7 footer near the basket and hope things work out.

[obnoxiousmime]

I think you're using some kind of reverse logic here. The reason Nowitzki is perfect for the 4 is precisely because he brings uncannily good shooting, playmaking, and passing ability to the position while being strong and tall enough to still board and play D.

You're overrating the advantage height plays in a position and underrating the importance of speed and lateral movement.

[oldtype]

No. Tommy calls it "quick forward" for a reason.

He'll be much more useful as an unorthodox post player who can draw opposing bigs outside. That's why developing a consistent outside shot is the only way he'll develop into a starter-level player.

[Tr1boy]

I've been a huge proponent of Kelly getting super fit and cut and going for the KG build. Obviously he will never be a super-athlete, but he could certainly improve upon his athleticism and jumping. For the type of mentality he has as a bball player (playmaker, shooter, great court awareness, not necessarily a rebounder), playing sf would be ideal for him.

I am not convinced he could ever handle the quickness of other sfs, but he could be a monster on offense. Gaining weight would be about the worst thing he could do.

nice idea if he can get a body like KG.  It will be hard, but if he worksout hard this summer i'm sure he can come close.  Maybe he should start hanging out with Kevin Love (who went through an amazing body transformation)

[Tr1boy]

No. Tommy calls it "quick forward" for a reason.

He'll be much more useful as an unorthodox post player who can draw opposing bigs outside. That's why developing a consistent outside shot is the only way he'll develop into a starter-level player.

I would not be a big fan of him able to develop a "3 pt shot" vs have him "thin/fit up" and play some SF.

Only 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 increase their 3pt shooting percentage up to 5 percent from college

What this means is that, if you can't shoot great/consistent before coming to the nba, unlikely you will develop that "3 pt jumper". Olynyk can hit the 15-18 feet and stevens should utilize this more frequently , instead of having him shoot the three. He has little chance to hit it on a consistent basis in the nba. Only try it when you start heating up or something

[pokeKingCurtis]

No

[CFAN38]

KO will never be a SF.

He laterally struggles with PFs let alone SFs. Simply loosing weight will not change this. He is going to have to just get stronger and focus on being a great team defender.

[dreamgreen]

KO will never be a SF.

He laterally struggles with PFs let alone SFs. Simply loosing weight will not change this. He is going to have to just get stronger and focus on being a great team defender.

This

[Vermont Green]

If SF was short for Soft Forward, Olynyk would be perfect for the roll but no, I don't see it

Even if he could somehow be developed as a SF, why would we want to.  He can be a match up nightmare at PF or sometimes even at C (a floor spreading big).  I get that Sullinger projects as our #1 PF but there will still be minutes for Olynyk.

He needs to get more fit and tone.  His best and only chance is to build the strength and general fitness needed to play big.  I think he can do it but it is certainly not a given that he will.  We shall see.