After starting his career with the Celtics in 2013-14, Kelly Olynk is now in his first season with the Spurs, his eighth NBA team.
After starting his career with the Celtics in 2013-14, Kelly Olynk is now in his first season with the Spurs, his eighth NBA team.David Zalubowski/Associated Press
The Spurs are Kelly Olynyk’s seventh team since leaving the Celtics before the 2017-18 season, and it may be the most productive and enjoyable stop of his 13-year career.
Olynyk is in the middle of the Spurs’ renaissance, with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper. Olynyk averages just nine minutes per game, but last week in Boston, he came on to hit a key 3-pointer in the Spurs’ fourth-quarter run.
It’s been a fun experience for Olynyk, who has hung around the NBA for more than a decade, still the dude always wearing his baseball cap, except when he replaces it with a headband on the floor. The Celtics didn’t particularly want to part ways with Olynyk but they had to create salary cap space to sign Gordon Hayward.
His memories of Boston are still grand, especially that 26-point Game 7 against the Wizards in the 2017 Eastern Conference semifinals, called “The Olynyk Game.”
Recently, Olynyk checked into a game at Washington to a chorus of boos and he had to remind his younger teammates, some of them still teenagers, about that game a decade ago.
“People remind me all the time,” he said. “It was resounding boos every time I touched the ball in Washington. These young kids don’t know. And my teammates are asking why they are booing me and I had to tell them, ‘Look it up my guy.’ ”
Olynyk harbors no ill feelings about his departure. He was a fan favorite in Boston, especially off the floor because of his community relations efforts. He participated in several team projects with children.
“I got thousands of memories,” he said. “In this building [TD Garden] with this team, with these fans. Games, moments, but there’s probably 20 or 30 times more memories off the court, in the community. I miss going to the schools, going to those activations and community programs, Canobie Lake Park with the kids. That’s the stuff you really miss because this community really, eats, drinks, breathes, sleeps not only Celtics but all Boston sports, and that’s something you don’t get everywhere. It’s a special place to play.”
Kelly Olynyk averaged 9.5 points and 20.7 minutes over four seasons with the Celtics.
Kelly Olynyk averaged 9.5 points and 20.7 minutes over four seasons with the Celtics.Barry Chin
Olynyk is at peace with his veteran role. He’s never won a championship and this may be the most talented team he’s played on. Being a mentor is a career move he enjoys.
“Your role changes but it’s something I enjoy, helping others,” he said. “I had a lot of guys help me along the way. The ins and outs of the league and how to be a professional, just what you’re trying to pass on to these kids and it’s awesome to be part of. You want to see them succeed. You want to be a part of a team and something great, and that’s where this team is going. To be able to have your voice heard is special.”
Eventually, Olynyk will be known to young basketball fans as Wembanyama’s former teammate. The Spurs were in doldrums for years before a series of fruitful drafts — including winning the lottery in 2023, similar to when they beat out the Celtics in the 1997 lottery and drafted Tim Duncan — has replenished championship hopes in the Alamo. Three victories over defending champion Oklahoma City while still waiting for Wembanyama to be healthy enough for more minutes and Devin Vassell to return from injury offers hopes of a deep playoff run with a roster that could be together for several years.
“It’s fun to see these young kids come into this league and make a name for themselves and come together as a unit,” Olynyk said. “Obviously myself coming into this league, 21 years old, some of these kids are 18, 19. It’s crazy. Just going out there and try to help them continue to learn and grow and be better not only individually but as a team. It’s fun to be a part of, fun to watch. They’ve got a lot of youthful energy. They’re going to be good for a long time.”
Olynyk was drafted 13th overall in 2013 by the Mavericks and acquired by the Celtics on draft night. He played four seasons in Boston, mostly as a reserve spark plug and seemingly always found his way into pivotal plays and exciting moments. He eventually signed a four-year deal with the Heat, spending 3½ years there before a sojourn that took him to Houston, Detroit, Utah, Toronto, New Orleans, and now San Antonio. The Spurs were looking to clear roster space and gave up two former first-round picks in Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham to Washington to get Olynyk this past summer. The trade was the second of the offseason involving Olynyk.
“I’m blessed that I haven’t had any major injuries or setbacks,” he said. “It’s hard to stay in this league for 10 years and then you get to 12, 13, and I’m super blessed to be able to do that. You just don’t know, but for me it’s awesome and it’s something where I wake up every day and love going to work. If that ever fades then you stop playing, but if it doesn’t then you ride it until you can’t no more.”
Olynyk, as casual as he appears, said his love for the game still remains strong.
“One hundred percent,” he said. “I love playing pickup. I love practice. Some of the new generation, new age, they don’t love to play basketball just anywhere. They only play in the game. I love to just play basketball. That’s how I grew up and I don’t think that will ever fade.”
TRADE CANDIDATES
Deadline deals to be made before Feb. 5
The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching (Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.) and there are a handful of disgruntled players who want out of their current situations, as well as expendable players who are likely to be moved in the next few weeks. There are some notable names on the list.
Here’s a look at those trade candidates and what they could potentially garner in return:
▪ Ja Morant, Grizzlies — It was revealed in recent weeks that the Grizzlies have made the mercurial Morant available after years of off-court issues, injuries, and underperforming teams. Morant is currently injured, unable to play in Thursday’s loss to the Magic in Berlin. He got into a heated exchange with teammate Vince Williams at practice this week. Morant appears to want out of Memphis and there are a couple of interested teams, including the Heat. He has never meshed with coach Tuomas Iisalo and that came about after Taylor Jenkins was fired because his offensive deemphasized Morant’s ball dominance. While still an exciting player, injuries have taken a toll on Morant.
Ja Morant has played only 77 games since the start of the 2023-24 season.
Ja Morant has played only 77 games since the start of the 2023-24 season.Barry Chin/Globe Staff/The Boston Globe
▪ Anthony Davis, Mavericks — Dallas wanted Davis to be the centerpiece of its franchise along with Cooper Flagg but he’s often injured, as he was in his previous stops, and the team is ready to move on. Davis is out with ligament damage in his left hand but could still be traded to a team that needs a capable big for the playoffs. The issue is Davis’s massive contract, which includes a $58 million salary for next season and a $62 million player option for 2027-28. Teams such as the Pistons, Hawks, and Raptors have expressed interest but it would be a heavy price because of his contract. The Mavericks are seeking prospects and a marquee player, and are likely to require multiple players in any return.
▪ Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies — If the Grizzlies are ready for a total rebuild, Jackson could be on the block. But like Davis, he makes a lot of money in future years. He’ll earn $50 million next season as his contract extension kicks in, which is a hefty price for a player who is perpetually in foul trouble. Jackson is a below average rebounder for a big man and his scoring has dropped considerably this season. Again, because of his salary, teams are going to have to likely send multiple players to Memphis in any deal. The Grizzlies have young prospects in their system and if they move Morant, may be willing to send Jackson out and start over. The Celtics have been rumored to be interested in Jackson but the price would be high and they would have to part with the likes of perhaps Derrick White and two more players in any deal.
▪ Michael Porter Jr., Nets — Porter is an interesting case because he isn’t unhappy and the Nets have been ecstatic with his production in his first season in Brooklyn. But the Nets are not trying to win this season and they would love to garner assets for Porter, who has one year left on his contract at a reasonable $40 million. Porter has proven the ability to lead an offense and become the offensive force he was not in Denver. There could be several teams with championship aspirations interested in Porter, and this is a feasible deal because of his salary and that additional year on his contract. The Pistons, Bucks, and Bulls could be teams making bids.
▪ Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors — His saga with the Warriors has been going on for two years. Kuminga believes he’s good enough to be a frontline player on a playoff team; the Warriors don’t. And while this season was supposed to be a chance for a breakout after signing a two-year extension, he lived on the bench and then told the club he had a back injury when they wanted to play him. He has asked to be traded but he’s not coveted around the league. He was a restricted free agent last summer and did not receive any qualifying offers. Still, there will be some suitors. The question is whether the Warriors are damaging his stock by benching him. Coach Steve Kerr called it an “unfortunate situation” for both sides, meaning Kuminga has no future with the Warriors.
▪ Khris Middleton, Wizards — The Wizards already traded CJ McCollum’s expiring contract to get Trae Young and they definitely want to get a return for Middleton, who has been a model citizen in Washington’s rebuild and wants to play for a winner. Middleton is not the player he once was, but he could contribute in a reserve role to a contender. He has started all 27 of his games with Washington and has played limited minutes, but he still shows flashes of past prowess.
▪ Zach LaVine , Kings — The Kings are looking to rebuild, despite their recent winning streak. Getting a solid return for LaVine would be a good start. He has a player option next season for $47 million, which may deter some teams from being interested. The questions about LaVine have remained throughout his career. He has the ability to score in bunches and is still an elite athlete, but is he a winning player? He’s never been in a winning situation and has put up the numbers but not much else. Sacramento general manager Scott Perry would love to acquire prospects and draft assets for LaVine but that may be wishful thinking.
▪ Malik Monk, Kings — Monk was in coach Doug Christie’s dog house until recently when he sparked the winning streak. On a manageable contract (approximately $20 million per season, with a player option in 2027-28), it seems Monk would be a hit in a winning environment. But is he worth a first-round pick? That may be a difficult decision for interested teams. Monk is a walking bucket and plays with a fiery style, and it seems like he would be a solid acquisition for a team with championship aspirations. The Celtics need more bench scoring and may want to consider a Monk acquisition, but he may be too similar a player to Anfernee Simons.
With the Kings in flux, Zach LaVine could find himself donning a different jersey.
With the Kings in flux, Zach LaVine could find himself donning a different jersey.Sara Nevis/Associated Press
MORE ON EUROPE
Commissioner continues discussion on league abroad
During his press conference in Berlin, commissioner Adam Silver was asked about the specifics of NBA Europe. It’s an endeavor for which Silver is very serious and there has been just as much enthusiasm about this new league in NBA offices as for expansion to 32 teams.
“The funding would potentially come from, at least initially, the member clubs of the league,” Silver said. “I think similar to any startup venture, the participants would be the investors, and over time would hope to seek a return. I would only say that in the NBA, despite very large revenues, we manage to spend most of that money on a combination of players and investing in infrastructure and marketing. I think if we were to successfully launch this new league, it will take a while, I think, before it is a viable commercial enterprise.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver compared the startup funding for a European league to that of the WNBA.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver compared the startup funding for a European league to that of the WNBA.Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Silver compared the new Europe league to the early days of the WNBA when the NBA owners invested, realizing it would be a money-losing venture in the first several years. It has taken 30 years for the WNBA to have stable financial footing.
“I actually think what’s happening now, and this is driving some of our interest, is that it’s not a fixed pool of sport revenue,” Silver said. “What we’re seeing now — look at any of the streaming services or any of the networks. Attention is being shifted from traditional scripted dramas to live premium sports. We view ourselves as complementary to other sports leagues. In fact, as I said earlier, I’m a huge fan of what’s happening in European football, which is continuing to grow.”
Layups
One of the issues with this year’s Cavaliers has been the struggles of offseason acquisition Lonzo Ball, who was supposed to supplement the backcourt by finding open teammates and making shots. Instead, he’s been putrid offensively, averaging a career-low 5.2 points per game on 31.2 percent shooting (27.6 percent from the 3-point line). Ball has never been a premium shooter but he had improved his shot over the past few years, and his career average on threes is 35.7 percent. With Ball’s inability to hit open shots, defenses can basically play five-on-four against the Cavaliers, making them much easier to defend. The hope is Cleveland gets healthier as the season progresses — Max Strus still hasn’t played this season — and Ball will have to improve for the Cavaliers to be legitimate contenders … The Celtics’ search for frontcourt depth could trickle down to the G-League as Maine signed former Knicks and Princeton forward Tosan Evbuomwan to a contract and he played Wednesday. Evbuomwan was released from his two-way contract with New York before signing with the G-League. The Celtics have one open roster spot and a 10-day contract available … Former second overall pick RJ Barrett tweaked his left ankle in Toronto’s loss to the Celtics at TD Garden and is expected to miss a few more games after missing a back-to-back set with the 76ers. Barrett could be expendable as the Raptors attempt to upgrade before the trade deadline. Brandon Ingram has been a welcome addition along with the rising Scottie Barnes, but Toronto needs frontcourt help. Jakob Poeltl is battling injuries and the Raptors have players such as rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, who is developing into a potential cornerstone, who could slide into the starting lineup.
With Jayson Tatum out, Jaylen Brown has stepped up to lead the Celtics to third in the NBA Eastern Conference. But he’s not the only player stepping up.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.