How Kelly Olynyk will help the Miami Heat

Offensive end

This is the area of Olynyk’s game that the Heat are paying for, but can also be further exploited.

Last season, there were just 11 games where Olynyk attempted 10 or more field goal attempts. Over these 11 games, Olynyk averaged 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game. He shot at a 59.3 percent clip from the field, 44.4 percent from behind three, and was overall a +50 while on the floor. The Celtics posted a 9-2 record during these games.

When breaking it down over a larger sample size, Olynyk had 18 games last year where he played at 26 minutes. Over these games, Olynyk averaged 14.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game. He shot at a 58.9 percent clip from the field, 46.0 percent from downtown, and was a whopping +118 while on the court. The Celtics posted a 14-4 record during these games.

When viewing these numbers, it’s quite amazing that Olynyk has never been given an extended run in a larger role. One incredible stat from Olynyk last season was converting at a 56.3 percent clip on corner three-pointers. As a team last season, the Heat converted on 40.3 percent of their corner three-point attempts.

Another place he excelled on the offensive was within the restricted area, where Olynyk converted at a 72.8 percent clip. While the presence of Whiteside may somewhat limit him in this area, Olynyk nonetheless has two areas in particular on the offensive end in which he excels in a significant manner.

So while many may be surprised at the Heat’s newest addition, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that the Heat may be onto a winner with the 26-year-old Olynyk.