1. Kelly Olynyk, Houston Rockets
If you haven’t paid any attention to Olynyk this year, maybe it’s time to start. The British Columbia native has quietly had his best campaign as a pro, specifically since joining the Rockets via a midseason trade in the same deal that sent Victor Oladipo to South Beach.
Since landing in a larger role in Houston, Olynyk is putting up almost 19 points and 9 boards a game while shooting 38% from three in 24 games. Olynyk isn’t a great athlete, but he’s a smart defender who can guard bigger centers as well as some forwards.
Kelly Olynyk could be what the Raptors need.
He can stretch the floor as a small-ball five, and his rebounding prowess would certainly be a big help to a Raptors team that ranked 28th in the league in that department. While not an amazing offensive player, due in part to his athleticism, he can make shots when called upon, as his time in Houston is proving.
Not to mention, he’s a Canadian from Kamloops, and the fans would love that nice tie-in. Bringing back Birch and rolling with 75% Canadian frontcourt rotation that also included Chris Boucher might not be as outlandish as it sounds, and it could help them eventually transition into some wins.