Celtics could bring back fan-favorite big man?
Dec 17, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen before their game against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Boston’s favorite klutz could be coming back home.
Veteran NBA writer Marc Stein said in the latest post to his Substack page that the Boston Celtics are monitoring an interesting name in advance of a potential trade pursuit — Utah Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk.
The 32-year-old Olynyk played the first four seasons of his career with the Celtics from 2013-17. While he was (and still is) known for his rather clumsy style of play, that helped turn Olynyk into a Boston fan favorite (along with some of his major heroics in big playoff moments for the Celtics).
This year on the rebuilding Jazz, Olynyk is posting 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in a smaller role off the bench. He is also in the final season of his contract.
Olynyk would still fit well for the championship-favorite Celtics as he makes plays and hits threes off the bench (not to mention he can serve as insurance for the oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis and the 37-year-old Al Horford). The Celtics already locked up one fan favorite over the offseason, and now they appear to be eyeing a possible reunion with another one in Olynyk.
