Miami Heat: The genuine importance of Kelly Olynyk

As the season has progressed, the appreciable importance of Kelly Olynyk to the Miami Heat has become increasingly evident.

On the surface, the raw numbers of Kelly Olynyk certainly don’t jump off the page.

In 57 games, Olynyk has averaged 10.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. But in an era where versatility and the prevalence of small ball has increased dramatically, Olynyk’s presence has been simply invaluable.

To give a summary of Olynyk’s contributions in his first season with the Miami Heat, here is how the Heat have fared when he has excelled in certain categories:

• Grabs seven or rebounds: Heat are 7-1
• Plays 30 or more minutes: Heat are 8-2
• Hits three or more 3-pointers: Heat are 6-2

With a Miami frontcourt consisting on an old school starting center in Hassan Whiteside, emerging rookie Bam Adebayo, and veteran James Johnson, Olynyk’s ability to switch between the 4 and 5 spots provides head coach Erik Spoelstra with a plethora of options on a nightly basis.

Here is how Olynyk has fared over the course of the season when paired with his fellow frontcourt partners:

• Olynyk-Adebayo: 401 minutes, +6.3 net rating
• Olynyk-Whiteside: 176 minutes, -5.7 net rating
• Olynyk-Johnson: 486 minutes, +3.7 net rating

Considering his relative lack of athleticism, Olynyk has certainly performed better when paired with more versatile players such as Adebayo and Johnson, with the numbers backing up this assertion.

So while he may lack the explosiveness of many modern-day players, Olynyk has continually demonstrated an ability to make up for it in other areas. A prime example of this was during the Heat’s latest win over the Detroit Pistons. With Whiteside getting into early foul trouble, Olynyk was presented the task of combatting the Pistons’ All-Star center, Andre Drummond.

While this may seem like a mismatch by giving up some 35 pounds to Drummond, this is where Olynyk’s true value to the team comes to the forefront. In 23 minutes of action for the night, Olynyk posted 17 points, five rebounds and four assists while being a +18 while on the floor.

The most notable were the numbers Olynyk posted while on the floor at the same time as Drummond:

• Offensive rating (points per 100 possessions): 151.9
• Defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions): 100.1
• Net rating: +51.8

Furthermore, here were the basic numbers when matched up against Drummond:

• 15 minutes, 12 points, 5-of-6 field goals, 2-of-2 3-pointers, +14

Granted, Drummond finished the night with 22 points and 18 rebounds as he confronted the Heat’s duo of Olynyk and Whiteside. However, Olynyk’s invaluable ability to stretch the floor and become an additional perimeter threat somewhat counteracted the inside threat Drummond displayed on the night. This was demonstrated with Drummond’s rebounding percentage numbers when Olynyk was on and off the floor:

• Olynyk on floor: 16.7 percent
• Olynyk off floor: 23.1 percent

A 36.4 percent shooter from long range on 3.5 attempts per game this season, Olynyk’s ability to draw his opponent from the paint, in this case Drummond, simply provides the Heat with a different dimension as opposed to when the larger Whiteside takes to the court.

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Having missed six games recently with a shoulder injury, this was by far the most comfortable Olynyk had appeared in what was his third game post-return. With three of their next four games at home, the Heat will be hoping for a similar impact from the Canadian native as they attempt to lock down the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.