Miami Heat: 2017-18 NBA season preview
By Simon Smith
Storyline 3: How will Kelly Olynyk fit in the Heat frontcourt?
Since he signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Heat this past summer, many onlookers have debated Olynyk’s fit within the Heat frontcourt. Primarily a backup center during his time with the Boston Celtics, Olynyk provides the Heat with a distinctively different look to their incumbent center in Hassan Whiteside.
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While backing up Whiteside seemed like the logical transition process for Olynyk, his ability to stretch the floor made the vacant 4-spot also an option entering the season.
But with the insertion of James Johnson into the starting lineup in the opening preseason game, it appears that Olynyk will repeat his role with the Celtics.
If his first game in a Miami uniform is anything to go by, Heat fans should certainly be buoyed by what lies ahead. In 22 minutes of play, Olynyk posted nine points, eight rebounds and five assists, while being a +15 while on the floor.
Following his first appearance with the Heat, coach Spoelstra was rapt with what he saw with their new acquistion:
"“Obviously it’s been well documented that he used to be a guard. We want ultimately to play to his strength if it help us. We’re open right now, open to seeing where this can go, where we can maximize that skill set as much as possible. Guys like playing with him.”"
The most notable differences Olynyk provides the Heat is his ability to stretch the floor and provide an additional source of playmaking. Last year as a member of the Celtics, Olynyk had 24 games in which he dished out three or more assists. During this span of games, the Celtics compiled an incredible 22-2 record.
As you can see from this footage, Olynyk has hit the ground running with his playmaking for the Heat. With the ability to take the ball out and pass on the rubble to a cutting Wayne Ellington for the driving layup is just one example of the versatility he’s going to bring to the Heat this season.
Another example is the following clip, with Olynyk setting up Ellington for the corner-3 with a crisp, cross-court pass:
Contrast this with Whiteside, who had a grand total of 57 assists over the 77 games he played last season.
While he is far from being the rebounder and rim protector that Whiteside has proven himself to be, Olynyk’s ability to step out of the paint and contribute in a number of ways will be fascinating to follow.