Miami Heat: Kelly Olynyk looking increasingly comfortable

In his second straight game in the Miami Heat’s starting lineup, newcomer Kelly Olynyk appeared increasingly comfortable in his new surroundings.

While winning is one thing in the preseason, acclimating new players into their system is far higher on the priority list for the Miami Heat.

In his second starting appearance, Kelly Olynyk demonstrated why the Heat signed him to a four-year, $50 million deal this offseason.

Playing 29 minutes, Olynyk posted 13 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in an impressive all-round performance. Notably, Olynyk was a team high +13 while on the floor. As a stretch-big with the ability to play both the 4- and 5-spots, Olynyk’s versatility provides head coach Erik Spoelstra with tremendous flexibility when formulating his lineups.

Growing up, Olynyk played as a guard, and that can be seen in the comfort level he displays playing out on the perimeter. A more than capable ball-handler, Olynyk’s playmaking and passing skills were again on display. This was evident in this simple hand-off to Dion Waiters, illustrating Olynyk’s great feel for the game:

Furthermore, Olynyk’s ability to step out and face the basket provides the Heat with a real point of difference on the offensive end of the floor. This cut from the top of the key, to receive the bounce pass from Tyler Johnson for the layup, is one example of Olynyk’s versatility:

Furthermore, when Olynyk switches to the 5-spot, this can completely transform the way the Heat attack at the offensive end. For the game, when Olynyk shared time with center Hassan Whiteside, the Heat had a pace of 92.96. But when Olynyk was on the floor without Whiteside’s presence, this number exploded to 110.16.

With the ability to act as essentially an additional perimeter player, the Heat’s ability to play at a faster pace and push the ball is enhanced with Olynyk at the 5.

But it was his 12 rebounds for the night that was probably the most impressive aspect of Olynyk’s performance. While Whiteside is a naturally a dominant force on the boards, Olynyk certainly has the capabilities to become a consistent performer in this area.

Following the game, coach Spoelstra explained his use of Olynyk, both now and moving forward:

"“Kelly has a different skill set and his ability to shoot and make plays off the dribble. We like that. We feel that’s a great fit and can be good fit with our second unit or he can play alongside Hassan. Whoever starts, I’m not there yet right now.”"

In addition to Olynyk’s performance, the Heat were again well served by the duo of Josh Richardson and Dion Waiters. Richardson continued his hot shooting, hitting 3-of-7 from 3-point range on his way to 18 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Through four games, Richardson is averaging an impressive 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per game from the 2- and 3-spots.

For his part, Waiters posted 14 points, four rebounds, and a game-high eight assists filling in for starting point guard Goran Dragic, who was rested for the second straight game.

Next: 30 reasons to be excited for the 2017-18 NBA season

The Heat will remain home for their penultimate preseason game, when they play host to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.