Was extending Kelly Olynyk really a wise investment for the middling Toronto Raptors?
While the box scores might beg to differ, the reality is that Olynyk's contributions have been far from enough for a team grappling with defensive struggles. An impressive output on paper doesn’t protect the Raptors from being steamrolled on the court—especially evident after their eviscerating loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Boxing Day.
Olynyk has undoubtedly had moments where he's solid. However, he often finds himself exposed when faced with formidable opponents.
Kelly Olynyk looks like a shell of his former self
Against towering big men like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, he struggles to keep pace. The difference in size and athleticism is glaring, as Olynyk often finds himself overmatched. His inability to guard such imposing figures underscores a critical flaw: the Raptors simply cannot rely on him to anchor the paint when heavy hitters dominate the floor.
One cannot ignore the curious habits Olynyk has developed in his latest outings. His awkward reliance on pump fakes—futile attempts attempted to create space—often leads to either contested shots or a deflated possession when defenders simply do not bite.
Inconsistent plays have made the veteran player a source of frustration for fans and teammates. For instance, his five turnovers in the Dec. 22 game against the Houston Rockets highlight the need for productivity to go hand in hand with accountability. Olynyk's tendency to make rookie mistakes is a tough reminder that he needs to be more careful at this point in his career.
Admittedly, Olynyk's recent performances indicate he is still finding his rhythm after struggling with back issues. With just eight games under his belt this season, it's a bit premature to write him off completely.
Yet, one has to wonder if the Raptors should truly be optimistic about Olynyk regaining his form. Anyone who has dealt with back injuries knows they don’t just heal overnight. In fact, back issues can often end athletes' careers, a tough reality that makes it hard to feel hopeful about a turnaround.
If he can channel his talents similarly to Chris Boucher, Olynyk could still carve out a niche role; he can hit the three with relative ease, which could aid in spacing the floor—if only he could offer anything defensively to complement that weapon.
Can Kelly Olynyk turn things around?
Unfortunately, hope as a strategy often leads to disappointment. If Kelly Olynyk cannot substantially elevate his performance, the Raptors might need to seriously consider giving more playtime to Bruno Fernando, the team’s largely overlooked center.
After all, fresh legs and clearer focus could perhaps replace Olynyk's increasingly questionable contributions. In an era defined by defensive prowess, the Raptors simply cannot afford to wait around for a player struggling to keep up on the court.
Toronto's future may well depend on their willingness to evolve, and the Raptors may need to rethink their approach surrounding players like Olynyk before it’s too late.
But hey, at least an unexpected Ochai Agbaji resurgence this season makes the Raptors' trade with Utah a win after all.