Kelly Olynyk, the former Gonzaga standout, is making a profound impact on the San Antonio Spurs, but not in the traditional sense. His value lies beyond the minutes he plays on the court.
A seasoned veteran's perspective: Olynyk, with over 800 NBA games under his belt, has become an invaluable mentor to the rising Spurs and their star, Victor Wembanyama. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson praises Olynyk's unique insight, gained from playing for eight teams over 12 seasons. Johnson emphasizes that Olynyk's experience with winning and losing provides a broader perspective, which is crucial for the team's growth.
The impact transcends playing time: Despite limited minutes, Wembanyama, the 2023 top draft pick, credits Olynyk for his defensive guidance. Wembanyama admires Olynyk's ability to notice details he might miss, making him a trusted advisor. Olynyk embraces this mentorship role, believing it keeps him connected to the game he loves.
A different kind of player, a unique mentor: Olynyk's approach is intriguing. He lacks the physical attributes of Wembanyama but possesses a high basketball IQ, allowing him to see the game differently. He aims to teach Wembanyama how to excel by mastering the fundamentals, a skill often overlooked by players with exceptional talent.
Olynyk's journey began at Gonzaga, where he was a first-team All-American before being drafted 13th by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Boston Celtics. He has since played for several teams, including Miami, Houston, and Toronto, his hometown, before joining the Spurs in July.
A unique team culture: Olynyk appreciates the Spurs' culture, describing it as low-key yet highly effective. He admires their winning mentality and the standards they set for themselves, which he relates to his time at Gonzaga.
A trendsetter at Gonzaga: Olynyk takes pride in the success of Gonzaga alumni in the NBA. He mentions players like Rob Sacre and Adam Morrison, followed by Austin Daye and himself, as pioneers. He notes the trend of transfer players redshirting and the exceptional talent Gonzaga has produced, including All-Star players like Domantas Sabonis, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Suggs.
The Gonzaga legacy continues: The list of successful Gonzaga players in the NBA is impressive. Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert, Brandon Clarke, and Andrew Nembhard are all making significant contributions. Andrew's brother, Ryan Nembhard, went undrafted but secured a two-way contract with Dallas and is expected to earn a standard contract.
Olynyk admires Ryan's rookie season, describing him as a confident player who loves the game and makes a significant impact. He enjoys seeing players like Ryan get opportunities and excel.
A Gonzaga legend returns: Olynyk, a native of Canada, maintains a strong connection with Gonzaga and its head coach. He visits Spokane whenever possible to relive his college memories.
A seasoned veteran's journey: At 34, Olynyk has been traded five times in the last two years, but he embraces these changes as new opportunities. He encourages young players to see trades as chances to explore new places and expand their networks.
A potential coaching future: Olynyk hints at a possible coaching career, believing he could excel in the role. He acknowledges the challenges of office work but remains open to the idea if the right opportunity arises.
This story highlights the often-overlooked value of veteran players in the NBA, who can provide mentorship and unique perspectives that are crucial for team development. But here's where it gets controversial—is Olynyk's impact as a mentor more significant than his on-court contributions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
