Boston Celtics Select Center Kelly Olynyk

The Boston Celtics have traded the number 16 pick and two future second-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks for the number 13th pick. The Celtics then selected Kelly Olynyk, a center from Gonzaga.

Kelly Olynyk | C/PF | Gonzaga

HT: 7'0" | WT: 234 | AGE: 22
STATS:

			FG			3PT			FT			REBOUNDS			MISC
	G	M	M	A	PCT	M	A	PCT	M	A	PCT	OFF	DEF	TOT	AST	TO	STL	BLK	PF	PPG
2012 -Kelly Olynyk	32	26.4	6.7	10.7	62.9	0.3	0.9	30.0	4.1	5.3	77.6	2.4	4.9	7.3	1.7	2.4	0.7	1.1	2.3	17.8

Analysis

Kelly Olynyk is one of the most offensively advanced players in the NBA Draft. He has a great jump shot and can hit them from all parts of the floor. With a nice, smooth jumper, reports have said that he has been extending his range to three-point range. If he can do that, he will be an even more versatile weapon in the NBA.

Even though Olynyk isn't extremely athletic, he is fantastic at finishing at the rim. He knows how to "find the blue sky" and score inside. Much of this is due to his terrific post moves, where he has footwork that you often see in only veteran players. This part of his game should easily translate to the NBA, making him one of the more NBA-ready players in the draft.

On the other hand, his defensive game is nonexistent and he lacks the athletic tools to improve there. He's also not very good on the boards and gets pushed around despite his size. Olynyk lacks the athleticism to move side-to-side defensively, making him a liability in the pick-and-roll. Despite standing at 7-feet tall, he hasn't shown the ability to be a good rebounder at the next level.

Opinion

I like the pick. Kelly Olynyk grew on me the more I watched him. He has a well-developed offensive game that will fit in nicely with the Boston Celtics. I look forward to seeing him run the floor with Rajon Rondo. Olynyk has great straight line speed that would fit a potential up-tempo offense.

Olynyk probably isn't a starter down the line, but he could easily become a great sixth man for the team. If he is facing less talented players off the bench, his lack of skill on defense becomes less of a problem. He would also get the opportunity to score many baskets on the block and become a focal point as a part of the bench.

I would grade this selection as a B+. Olynyk should become a quality role player in the NBA that can providing scoring, energy, and a post presence.

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