KO could also help the Miami Heat by adding an in-between game to be more of a threat to opposing defenses.
From Deep to Restricted Area
Olynyk understands his specific role and has become great in it. He’s a big man who can shoot with the best of them, both stretching opposing defenses and frustrating them when they try to close on his catch and shoot. As a matter of fact, he’s become a great catch and shoot specialist among all players, not just guys his size.
With that being said, it never hurts to add to your offensive arsenal. Something Kelly Olynyk currently lacks that would make him an increased threat to opposing defenses is an offensive game in between the 3-point line and the restricted area.
During the regular season, 336 of his 398 field goal attempts came from either the deep line or the semi-circle right up under the cup, making up 84.4% of his overall shot attempts. To be fair, he was excellent from both areas this past season.
Where he was far from excellent, though, was in the mid-range and in the paint outside of the restricted area. During the NBA Finals, he shot 2-10 from this range while shooting 18-31 (58.1% ) from the rest of the field. If he could even become solid from these areas he’d be that much more lethal offensively.
This likely has never been much of a focus for him, as his bread and butter is stretching the floor and occasionally finishing inside. Still, with the Heat looking to take another step in the coming season, a more versatile Kelly Olynyk would be an asset.