KO Rust or is he a Bust?

[DarkAzcura]

Olynyk's ability and skills have never been in question. He has real skills and has shown the ability to use them. What's gonna decide how far he gets in this league is going to be based on how assertive he can be.

KO is a match-up nightmare. There just aren't many bigs, especially centers that can realistically guard him. He has PG skills in a 7 foot body. But he has to be able to take advantage of that constantly, night in and night out for him to be at his best. With Sully out now, he has his chance. The next 5 weeks are crucial for him.

I liked the way he played last night. He missed almost all his shots and sure some of them were ugly, but he was driving to the hole and taking open shots. If he continues that, he'll be in good shape.

Certainly not a bust though. Worse case scenario he's just a role-playing stretch big. That's not a bust at #13

I don't think his skill set will get him that far,
I think he would be a bench stretch big in the future
Cuz when most people say a 7 footer shooting 3s they think dirk

But the difference between dirk and other shooting bigs is that dirk had the athleticism to drive it in and taking advantage of taking a big out yo the perimeter
Olynyk doesn't have the athleticism to do this and should be relegated to spot up shooting from the 3, post ups and the occasional drive in

Is that why 40% of his shots come at the rim while shooting 72% there?

Some of you guys have very odd opinions of Olynyk, even before his injury. He goes out there, plays his game, and it's like some of you have never seen him play before. Have his drives and finishes some how been washed out of your memory? Olynyk does much more than shoot jump shots, and he does those other things quite well.

Just saw the game yesterday now.  KO was a key player for the Celts. 

Some people here don't appreciate what this guy does on the floor. He is a top level "pick" setter.  Especially due to his size .  He is setting multiple picks on the offensive end, freeing guys after guys.

He was active on the defensive end also. He is closing "space" to prevent guys from having room to drive in

Right now due to lack of 10 pounds of muscle he can't do a better job around the post. But yesterday he fought Anthony Davis hard to deny him getting entry passes

did you also notice in the 2nd half he started over zeller and as soon as he went to the bench we got the lead and extended it?

Well if you are going to bring up +/- based on a one game sample size, I hope you realize Olynyk has consistently had one of the highest if not highest +/-'s on this team the whole season. Heck, there was a time when he and Sully were the only ones on this team with a positive +/-.

Also, I know you didn't bring +/- up directly, but by saying we got the lead and extended it with Olynyk going to the bench, you are indirectly commenting on his +/- for that game. Taking that into account, he still had a positive +/- for this game so maybe we went on a bit of a run without him in the game, but for the most part the Celtics played some of their best overall basketball with Olynyk on the court last night.

[Tr1boy]

from a CSNNE article yesterday

The Pelicans were indeed concerned about Olynyk’s perimeter game, evident by them closing out hard when he had the ball. To Olynyk’s credit, he did a nice job of knowing when to put the ball on the floor and when to pull up for a jumper which kept the Pelicans defense off balance.

“It’s a big deal,” Stevens said. “That happened with Jae (Crowder), big moment in the third quarter. They ran at Kelly; Kelly put it on the floor and hit Jae. His (Olynyk’s) presence out there demands attention.”

[hwangjini_1]

Olynyk's ability and skills have never been in question. He has real skills and has shown the ability to use them. What's gonna decide how far he gets in this league is going to be based on how assertive he can be.

KO is a match-up nightmare. There just aren't many bigs, especially centers that can realistically guard him. He has PG skills in a 7 foot body. But he has to be able to take advantage of that constantly, night in and night out for him to be at his best. With Sully out now, he has his chance. The next 5 weeks are crucial for him.

I liked the way he played last night. He missed almost all his shots and sure some of them were ugly, but he was driving to the hole and taking open shots. If he continues that, he'll be in good shape.

Certainly not a bust though. Worse case scenario he's just a role-playing stretch big. That's not a bust at #13

I don't think his skill set will get him that far,
I think he would be a bench stretch big in the future
Cuz when most people say a 7 footer shooting 3s they think dirk

But the difference between dirk and other shooting bigs is that dirk had the athleticism to drive it in and taking advantage of taking a big out yo the perimeter
Olynyk doesn't have the athleticism to do this and should be relegated to spot up shooting from the 3, post ups and the occasional drive in

Is that why 40% of his shots come at the rim while shooting 72% there?

Some of you guys have very odd opinions of Olynyk, even before his injury. He goes out there, plays his game, and it's like some of you have never seen him play before. Have his drives and finishes some how been washed out of your memory? Olynyk does much more than shoot jump shots, and he does those other things quite well.

Just saw the game yesterday now.  KO was a key player for the Celts. 

Some people here don't appreciate what this guy does on the floor. He is a top level "pick" setter.  Especially due to his size .  He is setting multiple picks on the offensive end, freeing guys after guys.

He was active on the defensive end also. He is closing "space" to prevent guys from having room to drive in

Right now due to lack of 10 pounds of muscle he can't do a better job around the post. But yesterday he fought Anthony Davis hard to deny him getting entry passes

did you also notice in the 2nd half he started over zeller and as soon as he went to the bench we got the lead and extended it?

Well if you are going to bring up +/- based on a one game sample size, I hope you realize Olynyk has consistently had one of the highest if not highest +/-'s on this team the whole season. Heck, there was a time when he and Sully were the only ones on this team with a positive +/-.

Also, I know you didn't bring +/- up directly, but by saying we got the lead and extended it with Olynyk going to the bench, you are indirectly commenting on his +/- for that game. Taking that into account, he still had a positive +/- for this game so maybe we went on a bit of a run without him in the game, but for the most part the Celtics played some of their best overall basketball with Olynyk on the court last night.

DA good post and a good call for us to remember what he can do. tp. what impresses me very much about his offense is his ability to drive past opposing bigs who guard him. i wish he would do it more often. he is quick for a center/pf when he drives.

add to this a very good outside shot and he is a tough assignment for most other teams. yes, there are stars who can handle olly, but from a 13th pick in the draft, i can live with that.

olly's offense has always been his strength. he is very good at scoring and passing and setting picks. he is a smart player. it is nice to have a 7 footer at the top of the key who can pass.

his defense is about what we all expected - poor to passable depending on the situation. what i really wonder about is whether having olly play pf with a great defensive center would cover up his shortcomings here.

[Snakehead]

Just saw the game yesterday now.  KO was a key player for the Celts. 

Some people here don't appreciate what this guy does on the floor. He is a top level "pick" setter.  Especially due to his size .  He is setting multiple picks on the offensive end, freeing guys after guys.

He was active on the defensive end also. He is closing "space" to prevent guys from having room to drive in

Right now due to lack of 10 pounds of muscle he can't do a better job around the post. But yesterday he fought Anthony Davis hard to deny him getting entry passes

TP.

I agree with the picks.  He can pop and really hurt teams and he does a good job rolling even if he isn't a big physical guy.  He keeps defenses honest because if he's open in any area he can score.

Jerebko and Olynyk running pick and pops with Thomas is very hard for a defense to cover.

He passes well.  Even if he isn't getting the assist out there I think he seems to get a lot of hockey assists.  Starting to swing the ball to the perimeter for example which leads to a three.

And as far as defense, he gives pretty good effort in my opinion and that's worth quite a bit to me.  I think he will keep getting better.   Sullinger by comparison I am frustrated with because he doesn't give effort on defense.

I'm hoping for consistency and aggression from Olynyk going forward.  If he brings those I think he can be a really good player and really fits in to be a big threat with where the league is going.  If you have him at C he really opens up the floor and if you have a big (maybe Cousins if we could somehow manage for example) C and he's at PF for you, he makes doubling that C so tough and gives him room to work with.  We hear reports that the Celtics are very high on Olynyk and I think that's why.

[Rosco917]

IMO he was rusty. He missed shots he normally would hit, BUT.

The fact is he is one of the most athletically challenged basketball players in the NBA. He can't move his feet worth a dam, he is a poor leaper, plus he's extremely slow off the floor, if and when he does try to leap.
He looks lost on defense most of the time, because he knows he will never get to where he needs to be in time to help defend. So he over-compensates by pushing, grabbing and fouling.

Will he improve is the question? When your limited as he is, the only thing that will help is minutes and more minutes, to learn how to "memorize" how to react to the game defensivly. On the O side of the ball he is best with the ball in his hands, to pass, or shoot, and pick and roll, as most guards do.

If an NBA team can afford the luxury of a 7' player that plays like a small, then yes he could end up 8th or 9th player off the bench when you need a some scoring. But that is certainly a luxury.

Someone mentioned Jermaine O'Neil, when O'Neil was a second year player he was an obvious talent, he could defend, block shots, yes he needed seasoning, and experience for him to develop into the player he later became. But he was always quick and athletic.

Kelly isn't a bust, he's just not starter material.

[Celtics4ever]

Have his drives and finishes some how been washed out of your memory?

I an recall him getting swatted too and not being able to finish above the rim and doing floaters.  Can you?

He goes out there, plays his game, and it's like some of you have never seen him play before.

it's because he is not even one game to the next.  Consistency is an issue for him.  One good game and one bad game.  That is what I recall.

[Snakehead]

IMO he was rusty. He missed shots he normally would hit, BUT.

The fact is he is one of the most athletically challenged basketball players in the NBA. He can't move his feet worth a dam, he is a poor leaper, plus he's extremely slow off the floor, if and when he does try to leap.

For this being the case he sure manages to completely get past his man and get into the paint pretty often.  He isn't a stiff.  He moves well.

[Chris22]

If Olynyk would simple learn to shoot a hook shot with either hand, he would be a much better player.

[Rosco917]

IMO he was rusty. He missed shots he normally would hit, BUT.

The fact is he is one of the most athletically challenged basketball players in the NBA. He can't move his feet worth a dam, he is a poor leaper, plus he's extremely slow off the floor, if and when he does try to leap.

For this being the case he sure manages to completely get past his man and get into the paint pretty often.  He isn't a stiff.  He moves well.

You're talking about offense, and yes he is effective on offense. When the ball is in his hands he knows exactly where he's going.
On D he must react to the ball moving quickly around the floor, lateral movement and quickness is important. Being athletic really helps while defending players going to the rim very aggressively. This is where he will never be even average.

[Rosco917]

If Olynyk would simple learn to shoot a hook shot with either hand, he would be a much better player.

Now there is a shot he could get off with his back to the basket. And increase his value to the team.
A jump hook with either hand would be great.

[Snakehead]

IMO he was rusty. He missed shots he normally would hit, BUT.

The fact is he is one of the most athletically challenged basketball players in the NBA. He can't move his feet worth a dam, he is a poor leaper, plus he's extremely slow off the floor, if and when he does try to leap.

For this being the case he sure manages to completely get past his man and get into the paint pretty often.  He isn't a stiff.  He moves well.

You're talking about offense, and yes he is effective on offense. When the ball is in his hands he knows exactly where he's going.
On D he must react to the ball moving quickly around the floor, lateral movement and quickness is important. Being athletic really helps while defending players going to the rim very aggressively. This is where he will never be even average.

Eh I don't agree.  I think he gives the effort to improve on defense.  He cares and tries which is what prevents a lot of bigs that are his type of offense focused big man from ever improving.   He also is legitimately 7 feet and is pretty agile all considered for a 7 footer even if he isn't the fastest or quickest.

 I don't think he's as bad as you say.  You say he has no athletic ability but he manages to have good footwork and drive past I guess far better athletes?  He manages to get some decent dunks for a guy who can't leap at all.

[Tr1boy]

IMO he was rusty. He missed shots he normally would hit, BUT.

The fact is he is one of the most athletically challenged basketball players in the NBA. He can't move his feet worth a dam, he is a poor leaper, plus he's extremely slow off the floor, if and when he does try to leap.
He looks lost on defense most of the time, because he knows he will never get to where he needs to be in time to help defend. So he over-compensates by pushing, grabbing and fouling.

Will he improve is the question? When your limited as he is, the only thing that will help is minutes and more minutes, to learn how to "memorize" how to react to the game defensivly. On the O side of the ball he is best with the ball in his hands, to pass, or shoot, and pick and roll, as most guards do.

If an NBA team can afford the luxury of a 7' player that plays like a small, then yes he could end up 8th or 9th player off the bench when you need a some scoring. But that is certainly a luxury.

Someone mentioned Jermaine O'Neil, when O'Neil was a second year player he was an obvious talent, he could defend, block shots, yes he needed seasoning, and experience for him to develop into the player he later became. But he was always quick and athletic.

Kelly isn't a bust, he's just not starter material.

Let me ask you. How good is Dirk on defense?

How good is David West , Zach Randolph.

These guys are also not the "athletes" your talking about. But they manage to get by on the defensive end. Especially since all three play with very good centers/shot blockers

If KO played beside a legit rim protector , then what?  He has not played with a proper rim protector in college nor NBA yet.

[BDeCosta26]

If Olynyk would simple learn to shoot a hook shot with either hand, he would be a much better player.

Totally agree. Just having that one reliable move from the post would allow him to exploit the match-up difficulties he creates a lot more. If we had a real defensive minded C, I think Olynyk would thrive as a PF. Jump hook would allow him to get a few easy buckets taking the small-ball 4's to the block. Passes well out of the post too.

Regardless of how much you like his future how does anyone believe his only good skill is shooting? It's pretty clear he's a good passer. He has good handles for a 7 footer, and he's pretty agile so he's able to break a guy down and drive to the hoop regularly. Very good shooter, and as someone else mentioned he's done very well setting picks and freeing up teammates. Pretty good basketball IQ. Should be a better rebounder for how tall he is. Defense is poor, but he tries and if he was playing alongside a real center he would have an easier time guarding 4s.

Problem is and always has been his assertiveness and consistency. If he plays like he did Friday, he's going to do well. The shots will fall, KO's too good to go 1/9 a lot. Bit longer leash with no Sully. If he's gonna prove himself a viable starter, the next 5 weeks is his chance.

[iadera]

Just saw the game yesterday now.  KO was a key player for the Celts. 

Some people here don't appreciate what this guy does on the floor. He is a top level "pick" setter.  Especially due to his size .  He is setting multiple picks on the offensive end, freeing guys after guys.

He was active on the defensive end also. He is closing "space" to prevent guys from having room to drive in

Right now due to lack of 10 pounds of muscle he can't do a better job around the post. But yesterday he fought Anthony Davis hard to deny him getting entry passes

did you also notice in the 2nd half he started over zeller and as soon as he went to the bench we got the lead and extended it?

Exactly. Good effort, but just too many mistakes, not including missed shots, I don't mind that.
But, James Young...such a soft hand and at the same time totaly lost in space.
Besides Thomas, Crowder is our key-player. He does so much on both sides. Fantastic steal by Danny.

[konkmv]

I think he will be a good back up power forward.. wit a better shot than sully..