Miami Heat: Spoelstra prepares for an improved Kelly Olynyk next season
Head coach Erik Spoelstra looks toward an even better Kelly Olynyk in his second Miami Heat season.
When Kelly Olynyk signed with the Miami Heat in July 2017, the team got exactly what they were looking for. The 7-foot tall center left any shyness about the long ball at the front door, and deepened Miami’s front court with defense, post play, and passing.
"“As soon as Kelly Olynyk became an unrestricted free agent, we pursued him,” team president Pat Riley said in 2017. He added, “At just 26 years old, he fits in perfect with our young core that will play together in their primes.”"
And fit he did. In 2018, Olynyk became one of the Heat’s nine players averaging at least 10 points per game with 11.5. He ranked third on Miami’s roster in 3-point percentage among those who shot at least 100 on the season.
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Olynyk also became a valued member of Miami’s second unit. Often playing alongside Wayne Ellington, the duo led Miami’s bench to a league best 5.5 made 3’s per game, according to NBA.com.
As a member of the Heat’s affectionately named Platinum Group, Olynyk improved across the board from his time on the Boston Celtics. According to head coach Erik Spoelstra however, his growth is far from over.
"“He already is a tremendous worker, very skilled, very well coached over his college and pro careers, that it was really fun to see his growth and his progress this year,” said Spoelstra. “Working with him, I think he has that kind of upside, still, at 26, that he can make another big jump this summer, particularly the way he works. He can come back something different next year.”"
But what does that jump entail?
His playmaking perception has already proved to be stellar, best displayed against the Knicks on March 21. Notching a season-high, career-high 10 assists, Olynyk’s spatial awareness led to quick dumpoffs and nutmegs alike.
Without the ball in his hands, Olynyk’s hearty frame plants impenetrable screens – his 167 screen assists were Miami’s third best.
And while his frame isn’t quick to topple, Olynyk also made his presence felt on defense. Leading the team with 15 regular season charges drawn, it’s apparent Olynyk bought plenty of stock in Miami’s game plan.
"“Definitely had the best year of my career, and [will] keep building on that this summer. Hopefully keep expanding my game,” Olynyk told the Sun Sentinel."
Olynyk’s current trajectory for improvement doesn’t have to veer far off course. His skill-set starkly contrasts Bam Adebayo’s and provides Miami diversity at the five.
For every time the Heat need to run small with a Justise Winslow and James Johnson front court, there are just as many opportunities for Olynyk to stretch the floor against lumbering bigs.
Still 26-years-old, Olynyk’s biggest improvement will come with more time played. Hitting a wall in Games 3 and 4 of the 2018 playoffs, Olynyk’s presence went missing when Miami needed it most. Olynyk managed just 2-for-6 from the floor in Game 3 for nine points, and played a scoreless nine minutes in Game 4.
Next: How did Miami Heat forward James Johnson fair this season?
Able to change pace from snail to sloth in the lane, Olynyk’s utility and remaining three-year deal will keep Miami with a versatile front court for the foreseeable future.