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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Olynyk has carved out a career for himself as a stretch big. The former Gonzaga Bulldog has always been a legitimate threat from outside, but that threat is often reduced when defenses guard him with a wing. That's even easier when Olynyk plays next to another big, which he often did in recent years with Miami. Before being traded to Houston, Olynyk started most games this season next to Bam Adebayo after Meyers Leonard got injured.
Olynyk has some ability to score in the post, especially against guards off switches, but isn't proficient enough down there to warrant giving him a lot of touches. He also has poor defensive and rebounding numbers, which makes it harder to play him as the sole big. Olynyk has a pretty healthy shot profile for someone with his skillset, as the majority of his shots come from three now. Olynyk shot a career low 34% from three this season, but did have good production after being traded to Houston, where he shot 40% from three.
Cap Considerations
Olynyk will be an unrestricted free agent with full Bird rights. As his cap hold ($18.9 million) exceeds the salary he will get in free agency, his cap hold is not really relevant.
If Olynyk is brought back by the Rockets on a multi-year contract, they could benefit from frontloading his contract, as it could give them additional flexibility in the future. Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Olynyk as even teams without cap space could possibly use either of the Non-Taxpayer MLE, Taxpayer MLE, or possibly even the Room MLE to sign him.
Potential Teams: Kings, Hornets, Spurs, Rockets, Suns
Predicted Contract: 2-year, $10 million with the Kings
Actual Contract: 3-year, $37.2 million (3rd year $3M guaranteed) with the Pistons
I was worried my prediction for Olynyk was a little low, but I was still surprised he got this much from Detroit. Olynyk should be able to provide solid center play and floor spacing for the Pistons, which should help their young players succeed and develop.
Last updated: 8/19/2021
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