Boston Celtics: Kelly Olynyk Shining In Summer League, Signs With Celtics

Boston Celtics’ rookie Kelly Olynyk has wasted no time impressing fans and coaching staff alike with a tremendous showing thus far in the Orlando Summer League. Olynyk, who was taken with the 13th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Celtics on draft night, has been exceptional in his three summer league performances thus far, leading the team to two victories and displaying all the skills that made him one of the most dominant players in the NCAA last season.

Olynyk was outstanding in his Celtics’ debut, a 95-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, where he led the team in scoring with 25 points on amazing efficiency. He shot 9-from-12 from the field including two 3-pointers and was perfect at the free-throw line, going 5-of-5. He rounded out his impressive debut performance with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals as the obvious focal point and leader of the summer league squad. Olynyk may have been a little over-eager in his first official game as a Celtic with six fouls and five turnovers, but his all-around play and his outstanding ability to score the ball was a great sign for a rebuilding Boston team. He was shooting the 3-pointer with ease and confidence, scoring in the post against experienced NBA players and showed all the offensive versatility that forced general manger Danny Ainge to trade up for him on draft day.

The Celtics rookie capped off his debut on Sunday by officially signing his first NBA contract with the team. Danny Ainge wasted no time putting pen to paper with his new rookie and has been on the sidelines all week watching on as Olynyk leads this young, talented summer league squad.

Kelly Olynyk has been outstanding for the Celtics in the Orlando Summer League.(Flickr.com photo by SD Dirk)

On Monday, the team faced off against the Detroit Pistons and secured a convincing 93-63 blowout win. With the game decided early, the coaching staff limited Olynyk’s minutes in order to give the other members of the team an extended run, but in just 21 minutes he continued his impressive display. He scored 13 points, secured six rebounds, dished out three assists and was causing problems defensively with five steals. His activity level was outstanding, putting on a show with a variety of skills including his high level passing ability and impressive handles for a man his size. Olynyk also appeared to quickly make adjustments from his debut, fouling just three times and committing a single turnover before he rode out the rest of the game on the bench. The extensive work Olynyk has put in since the draft on extending his range to the NBA 3- point line was again on display as he nailed a 3-pointer, through his first two games he hit three shots from deep on just six attempts and appears to have a surprising, dangerous weapon to add to his arsenal if he continues to work on his outside stroke.

Olynyk produced yet another impressive performance in game three against the Indiana Pacers as the Celtics posted a tight 76-74 victory. While showing some signs of fatigue in his shooting percentage after playing three games in as many days, Olynyk continued his high level of productivity and led the team offensively all game. He produced 21 points on 9-from-19 shooting, including some timely buckets in the fourth quarter. Olynyk was the game’s leading scorer and rebounder, pulling down nine boards in his 29 minutes. He continued to show his versatility offensively with four assists–his passing ability has been a surprising highlight to go along with his outside shooting. He also managed to close out the game without a single turnover, showing again his focus on improving from his first game. The Celtics’ coaching staff has been encouraging Olynyk from day one to be aggressive with his offense and shoot more, it has paid off with the rookie averaging near 20 points per game in his first three appearances, while playing just more than 25 minutes.

Olynyk has displayed his exceptional feel for the game from the get go and while summer league performances should not be over analysed, the Celtics could not have hoped for any more from their rookie big man in his first three performances. He is showing great range on his jump shot, a versatile offensive game, a high effort level defensively and a willingness to lead a team on offense. Olynyk appeared to be one of the most NBA-ready players in the 2013 draft and is showing that he could have an immediate impact on a young Celtics roster. Judging off his summer league performances, the long-haired former Gonzaga standout is set to become a fan favorite in Boston sooner rather than later.