Miami Heat: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

2. Kelly Olynyk joins the 50-40-90 club

Since the inception of the 3-point line in 1979-80, this feat has been achieved on just 12 occasions as it pertains to players hitting the court for at least 2,000 minutes in a season. The latest such example was Stephen Curry, who recorded a .504/.454/.908 return in his unanimous MVP season of 2015-16. Incredibly, two-time MVP Steve Nash achieved this mark on four occasions, including three consecutive years.

Kelly Olynyk certainly exceeded expectations in his first season in Miami. Signed to a four-year deal last summer, Olynyk rewarded the Heat with the most productive season of his career after four years with the Boston Celtics. Overall, Olynyk returned .497/.379/.770 shooting splits, with his attempts per game in all three departments representing a career high.

So while taking the next step of returning a .500/.400/.900 split is significant, it’s highly achievable. Thus far, Olynyk’s best returns for a single season in each department are the following:

• Field goal percentage: 51.2 percent (2016-17)
• 3-point percentage: 40.5 percent (2015-16)
• Free-throw percentage: 81.1 percent (2013-14)

Considering his output last season, it’s likely that Olynyk’s role on the team continues to expand. Therefore, more involvement is likely going to lead to more shot attempts, thus making the 50-40-90 club increasingly difficult.

However, at age 27, with a season under his belt in the Heat system and a virtually identical cast of teammates returning, Olynyk has a very real chance of joining this exclusive club if his ascension continues this upcoming season.