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Having missed the last month or so due to an injured right shoulder, Kelly Olynyk appears to be making progress towards his return to the court. The Celtics' center spent some time at Monday's practice putting up jumpers and, apparently, looked pretty good in doing so.
"He seemed to feel more comfortable extending his range as the day went on," Brad Stevens told reporters this afternoon, though he wouldn't make any speculations as to when Olynyk will be ready to go.
#Celtics coach Brad Stevens: Kelly Olynyk looked more comfortable shooting as practice went on, wouldn't speculate on time table for return.
— Scott Souza (@Scott_Souza) March 7, 2016
Olynyk indicated to reporters his shoulder is essentially pain-free at this point. However he did admit there is still some discomfort when he makes quick movements with it.
#Celtics center Kelly Olynyk said he's relatively pain free shooting, has some discomfort with quick movements w/ shoulder.
— Scott Souza (@Scott_Souza) March 7, 2016
The Celtics have gone 6-3 in the nine games their sweet-shooting big man has missed, relying on others to serve as threats to space the floor. But the offensive end isn't where Boston misses him most. Instead, the Celtics have felt his absence on the point-preventing end, where they are 6.5 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court.