Tommy on Olynyk

[ScoobyDoo]

Good comparisons with Gasol and Zbo - athleticism isn't only about the run/jump ability. Gasol's athletic ability /advantages are his length, hand eye quickness and he had a pertty deceptive first step for a big man early on in his career.

Zbo's athletic advantage is his strength. Also, he's not fast but he's pretty quick and he understands spacing and how to use his body.

KO is going to be just fine - better than a lot of people expect, IMHO.

[tarheelsxxiii]

If he is ever as good as Zbo or Gasol, I'll move to NH and live as a recluse like J.D. Salinger. The more games that pass (including those where he drops 20), the more it becomes apparent to me that he is a 7th man that can't defend (or a star in Europe). He lacks strength to guard any legit bigs, and it doesn't seem like he has the frame or bruiser mentality to guard 5s, maybe not even beefy 4s. And his foot speed, particularly switching off to pick up guards is so bad it hurts. I don't even believe it... I think he's just not trying. It's impossible to be that slow to shift over or at least put a hand up on a lay up attempt.

[clover]

Good comparisons with Gasol and Zbo - athleticism isn't only about the run/jump ability. Gasol's athletic ability /advantages are his length, hand eye quickness and he had a pertty deceptive first step for a big man early on in his career.

Zbo's athletic advantage is his strength. Also, he's not fast but he's pretty quick and he understands spacing and how to use his body.

KO is going to be just fine - better than a lot of people expect, IMHO.

I agree.

[rollie mass]

anybody question his durability-what are these injuries stemming from-is he overcompensating for his early season problem-

[pokeKingCurtis]

anybody question his durability-what are these injuries stemming from-is he overcompensating for his early season problem-

Both injuries seem more like accident than signs of fragility.

At least his busted ankle was an accident. Stepping on someone's foot is not everyday wear and tear.

[Tr1boy]

Nice game tonight. Started out slow but finished with a decent 6-12 , 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists

Still needs to work on his defensive game. Not sure how much better he will get with better conditioning.  Really want to see him be paired with a legit center that could mask his deficiencies on the defensive end and increase his offensive output, especially assists

[oldtype]

There's been definite improvement in his game as the season progresses. I'd say he's already good enough to be a deep-rotation big on most teams.

[D.o.s.]

There's been definite improvement in his game as the season progresses. I'd say he's already good enough to be a deep-rotation big on most teams.

10th man on a playoff team sounds about right.

[Tr1boy]

Olynyk has "got it" . Well at least on the offensive end.  No hesitation and rarely turns over the ball. He has scored more than 10 points the last 6 out of 10 games and recently 3 in a row. 

I like it how his offense is not all about shooting the ball now and is driving in and finishing around the basket more (with 50 + percent success). Will only get better with experience and adding strength

Defensively he has been playing better, and avoiding foul calls (except tonight).

The team just works better with him out there.  What are the chances by the end of the year he is a finalist for the ROY award?

[get_banners]

He's improved quite a bit during the season, imho. I think he really needs to hit up the weight room/get in some sprints in the offseason, because he can definitely get stronger, leaner, and faster with some serious training. I'm not deluding myself into thinking he's going to be a great player, but the guy can be a very solid role player.

[SHAQATTACK]

If he can stay healthy ......he makes strides nearly every game.

He can dribble the ball and pass like few other guys his height . 

Kelly needs to learn to be a BIG ........do what bigs do......play ruff in the paint,  learn how to rebound and get position , and most of all grab the rebound and go back up immediately when he is under the rim.   Take it up and slam it though .....aggressively without hesitation.   Don't worry about being friends with the opponent ......learn to hate them on the court ...like Noah and Garnet

[colincb]

Olynyk has "got it" . Well at least on the offensive end.  No hesitation and rarely turns over the ball. He has scored more than 10 points the last 6 out of 10 games and recently 3 in a row. 

I like it how his offense is not all about shooting the ball now and is driving in and finishing around the basket more (with 50 + percent success). Will only get better with experience and adding strength

Defensively he has been playing better, and avoiding foul calls (except tonight).

The team just works better with him out there.  What are the chances by the end of the year he is a finalist for the ROY award?

Big man ROY looks pretty likely.  He could be the long-term top player out of this draft easily enough though.  Neither MCW or Oladipo look very good long term to me.  Bad shooters, they smell of Tyreke Evans career candidates, topping out as ROY candidates. Hardaway, Giannis A, and KO could easily pass both.

A look at his advanced stats at NBA.com (go to player's page, stats tab, then click on basic columns and change to advanced) shows his PIE stats (a supposed improvement on PER) trending upwards.  Started very slowly, but after December has shown a steady improvement.  In February and March he has offensively been playing at a level above that of an average NBA player.

I have no idea what KO's ceiling is with conditioning and strength training, which tells me he can be a lot better than some of our resident experts forecast.  He's unusually fluid with a good handle for a big, has multiple zones on the floor in the mid-range, long-two, and beyond the arc where he shoots above the NBA average (unlike the other rookies herein), and looks like a superior passer.

[Tr1boy]

Olynyk has "got it" . Well at least on the offensive end.  No hesitation and rarely turns over the ball. He has scored more than 10 points the last 6 out of 10 games and recently 3 in a row. 

I like it how his offense is not all about shooting the ball now and is driving in and finishing around the basket more (with 50 + percent success). Will only get better with experience and adding strength

Defensively he has been playing better, and avoiding foul calls (except tonight).

The team just works better with him out there.  What are the chances by the end of the year he is a finalist for the ROY award?

Big man ROY looks pretty likely.  He could be the long-term top player out of this draft easily enough though.  Neither MCW or Oladipo look very good long term to me.  Bad shooters, they smell of Tyreke Evans career candidates, topping out as ROY candidates. Hardaway, Giannis A, and KO could easily pass both.

A look at his advanced stats at NBA.com (go to player's page, stats tab, then click on basic columns and change to advanced) shows his PIE stats (a supposed improvement on PER) trending upwards.  Started very slowly, but after December has shown a steady improvement.  In February and March he has offensively been playing at a level above that of an average NBA player.

I have no idea what KO's ceiling is with conditioning and strength training, which tells me he can be a lot better than some of our resident experts forecast.  He's unusually fluid with a good handle for a big, has multiple zones on the floor in the mid-range, long-two, and beyond the arc where he shoots above the NBA average (unlike the other rookies herein), and looks like a superior passer.

Good points. KO is starting to be a nightmare for opposing teams to handle now that his shot is falling.

Danny is looking good trading up for KO. 

[DesertDweller]

I think there will be a big change in KO after the off season when he can get in the thing he needs most.....strength & conditioning.  I don't mean bulk because that might kill his agility and dribbling but he does need to get stronger and also finish better.
in last night's game for example he had the ball right under the basket one on one with a smaller defender and he opted to kick it outside.  when you're that big with that kind of position you have to just posterize whoevers there!!!

[footey]

Olynyk when playing and shooting well reminds me of Bird.  Very savvy, efficient, team oriented.  Bird obviously much better, in part because he had that killer instinct.  Kelly seems to underestimate his scoring ability.  I'd like him to be more aggressive with his shot. I have not seen him play the last several games, looks like his confidence is getting better.