Miami Heat: Kelly Olynyk has fully embraced his narrative

Miami Heat big man Kelly Olynyk knows what his grind is all about.

Every player’s road to the NBA is vastly different.

While some work their way up from nothing, others hail from a long line of basketball pedigree.

But no matter what, it seems just about everyone faces his fair share of criticism. Something that Miami Heat big man Kelly Olynyk is certainly no stranger to.

"“Everybody has haters, some more than others. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion, but unfortunately the world we live in today with social media and the ease of access to people, you can attack people, go at them way easier than it was in the past.”"

And unfortunately, he knows what it’s like to be attacked.

Olynyk was the talk of the league in April 2015, after he got tangled up with Kevin Love. It was Game 4 of the Boston Celtics/Cleveland Cavaliers playoff series, and both stars were rushing to chase a loose ball. Love locked arms with Olynyk, who eventually wiggled free and pulled down, ultimately dislocating Love’s shoulder.

Olynyk denied any bad intentions, explaining he merely wanted to stop him from beating Avery Bradley to the ball. But the damage was done. He instantly became labeled a dirty player. And soon came immense negativity from all directions.

"“I got a lot of hate, a lot of death threats or whatever), but it is what it is. You know the person you are, what you stand for, and how you conduct yourself, so that’s all you can do.”"

That’s pretty much how Olynyk has lived out his basketball career thus far.

Though he garnered fan support during his days in Boston, the Toronto-native has always gone overlooked around the league. Many couldn’t pinpoint exactly what his ceiling was, wondering how talented the 7-footer could really be. Especially given the reputation he obtained after the Love scandal.

In fact, much of Heat Nation cringed when it was first announced he would be signing with the Heat last summer.

But that didn’t phase Olynyk.

He just kept doing what he does best: working hard and believing in himself. Which in turn, not only won over the front office, but eventually fans too.

The 27-year-old had a heck of a first year in Miami.

He averaged a career-high 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists a game, in 23.4 minutes of play. And was able to unlock new parts of his skill-set, he was never quite able to access with the Celtics.

"“Here his whole game has opened up and he’s really good,” said teammate Dwyane Wade. “It’s great to have a guy so unselfish like that. On certain nights, he can go for 30. He gets teammates involved. He’s a no-ego guy.”"

Of course, Olynyk always knew that talent was there. It was just about being able to finally showcase it.

"“When you’re in a city or a job for an extended period of time, you’re kind of put into a mould, a box of who you are, and everyone perceives you as you are… Miami gave me the chance to show what else I had in my toolbox.”"

There’s no question that much of Olynyk’s development can be attributed to the Heat’s front office and coaching staff, who immediately put No. 9 on the right track to being in world class shape. However, a great deal of credit has to be given to Olynyk himself, who never wavered even when the picture others painted of him was so wrong.

Going into his second season in Miami, fans now have a much clearer image of who exactly the big man is. And have grown to love everything from his work ethic to his playing style.

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Here’s to Olynyk being able to start a new chapter with the Miami Heat.