This is why differing opinions matter

[walker834]

I won't name names, but a basketball player in the NBA for his first couple years has been kind of going through the motions. He was regarded  here, but not a highly touted player around the league or anything. Most fans are just starting to accept him as that's what he is.  An intelligent commentator 81 years young,   not exactly part of this whole millennial/baby boomer crowd  herd on the internet decides to go out and compare him one of the best players the last 20 years in the game and say he can be better than that.  Not many people would do that but it gets the internet all in an uproar like he's  an idiot. Suddenly this kid starts playing better. Good job.

[LarBrd33]

Are you referring to Marcus smart ?  I don't see the point in being cryptic.

He was awful offensively all year.  He's been much better the last few games. He was definitely due.  I hope he keeps it up this time. 

[walker834]

I'm talking about Tommy Heinsohn saying KO's ceiling was that of Dirk if not better during the phoenix game which lead espn to run to Dirk and say did you hear what Tommy said?

Tommy also clarified it in this article

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/td-inbox-what-is-kelly-olynyk-ceiling

He needs more fire in the belly but has potential to be an all pro.  He was being sneaky and was using the media against itself. He knew they had Dallas coming up why he said it.

Tommy was basically "trolling" the media and they did exactly what he wanted them to like a bunch of girls trying to create gossip.

Or so people would call him that. I think Tommy was just being smart personally. Smarter than most people.

[PhoSita]

Kelly Olynyk is a lot more similar to Luis Scola than Dirk Nowitzki.

His hair is more Scola-like, to boot.

[Chris22]

I thought you were talking about Jeff Green.
Speaking of going through the motions.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Olynyk needs motivation All the time---I've seen him play when he gets mad---and he's a MUCH better player when mad....so, any kind of motivation is a good thing for the kid--I hate when he's passive.

[mef730]

Tommy's just doing his part to push up KO's trade value.

Mike

[PhoSita]

"Kelly Olynyk's ceiling is higher than Dirk" is not a "differing opinion" that merits discussion.  It's blatant homerism, and I suspect Tommy knows that.

[jpotter33]

"Kelly Olynyk's ceiling is higher than Dirk" is not a "differing opinion" that merits discussion.  It's blatant homerism, and I suspect Tommy knows that.

Yeah, Dirk-lite is one thing. But even better than Dirk? That's pretty out there, especially given Kelly's age already.

Hell, I don't think this would've been a big story at all if he even just would have said "potentially as good as Dirk" rather than "higher ceiling."

[SCeltic34]

Kelly Olynyk is a lot more similar to Luis Scola than Dirk Nowitzki.

His hair is more Scola-like, to boot.

I'm not sure I like the Scola comparison.  I believe at one time Scola was either nicknamed or regarded as "the best below-the-rim player in the league".  He's much better around the rim than KO, but has never been able to stretch the floor to the 3 point line.   KO is a better team defender.

As for Tommy's comments, that's just Tommy being Tommy.  Gotta love him but his remarks can be pretty ridiculous at times.

[PhoSita]

Kelly Olynyk is a lot more similar to Luis Scola than Dirk Nowitzki.

His hair is more Scola-like, to boot.

I'm not sure I like the Scola comparison.  I believe at one time Scola was either nicknamed or regarded as "the best below-the-rim player in the league".  He's much better around the rim than KO, but has never been able to stretch the floor to the 3 point line.   KO is a better team defender.

Scola's added a pretty relianble three point shot to his bag of tricks.  I agree that Scola is better inside / around the rim, while Kelly is a better outside shooter.  I just think in terms of overall role and utility, Scola is a good comp for KO.  Much better comp than Dirk.  Scola's a better rebounder than Kelly.

Still, I think the ceiling for both players is similar -- Kelly is probably a 15-7 guy in an ideal situation where he develops some consistency and plays a full time starter role.  As a backup, he'll give you 10-5 pretty reliably and help your team do what the coach wants it to on both ends.

[SCeltic34]

Kelly Olynyk is a lot more similar to Luis Scola than Dirk Nowitzki.

His hair is more Scola-like, to boot.

I'm not sure I like the Scola comparison.  I believe at one time Scola was either nicknamed or regarded as "the best below-the-rim player in the league".  He's much better around the rim than KO, but has never been able to stretch the floor to the 3 point line.   KO is a better team defender.

Scola's added a pretty relianble three point shot to his bag of tricks.  I agree that Scola is better inside / around the rim, while Kelly is a better outside shooter.  I just think in terms of overall role and utility, Scola is a good comp for KO.  Much better comp than Dirk.  Scola's a better rebounder than Kelly.

Still, I think the ceiling for both players is similar -- Kelly is probably a 15-7 guy in an ideal situation where he develops some consistency and plays a full time starter role.  As a backup, he'll give you 10-5 pretty reliably and help your team do what the coach wants it to on both ends.

Interesting.  Scola is only taking 1.6 threes per game per NBA.com stats, but shooting it at 42.4%.  I didn't know he was shooting it that well from 3.  Don't usually watch Toronto much except when they play us (and Brooklyn).

I'm having a hard time figuring another good comparison for KO.  I've always said I want him to be like Boris Diaw.

[guava_wrench]

I love Scal's reaction last night to Heinsohn's nonsensical comments. Scal is a funny guy.

[LarBrd33]

Are you referring to Marcus smart ?  I don't see the point in being cryptic.

He was awful offensively all year.  He's been much better the last few games. He was definitely due.  I hope he keeps it up this time.

Oh I get it... you're talking about Heinsohn comparing Olynyk to Dirk. 

He hasn't been "playing better" as a result of those comments.  Olynyk has been up and down all year.  He's a pretty solid offensive option.  Most of his lack of consistency comes from lack of defined role.  He's fine. 

[GetLucky]

Greg "Bill Russell" Stiemsma got signed somewhere?