The Boston Celtics are in a dream situation with an already terrific core, a multitude of young stars and valuable draft picks. Unfortunately for Kelly Olynyk, he does not look to be a part of that bright future, as the Celtics renounced his rights making him an unrestricted free agent yesterday.
Immediately after the news broke, the Hawks were put on a short list of teams with interest.
Indiana and Atlanta on the short list of interested teams, I'm told https://t.co/zSw2oXp5QE
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 5, 2017
Olynyk was the 13th overall selection in 2013 that was later traded to Boston. The 7-footer impressed many coming out of Gonzaga with his versatility as a big man.
Despite being let go after just four seasons with the Cs, Olynyk can still be a valuable asset in today’s NBA. He is a viable center that can stretch the floor with his three-point shot and also adds some playmaking ability as a passer. His falling out of favor with Boston was more due to the fact of their overwhelming supply of talent rather than Olynyk’s disappointing play.
The former Gonzaga Bulldog played a significant role in all four seasons with the Celtics, averaging 9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. His ability to stretch the floor as a 7-footer will be extra enticing for a coach like Mike Budenholzer, who loves to have shooting on the floor late in games.
After parting ways with both Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap this offseason, the Hawks will be scrambling to fill in their roster before the start of the season. Their front court is especially thin, with John Collins and Miles Plumlee looking like the starters at this point. Olynyk would be a welcomed addition to Atlanta that could play a huge role in the first couple years of his deal.