Somebody pinch me, is it actually happening, folks?
First off, let's dive right into what was an absolute masterclass for the boys at home, as a valiant Toronto Raptors handled business against the Orlando Magic on January 21.
Scottie Barnes and company overcame a 21-point deficit at one point in this matchup to rally towards what ultimately became a 109-93 victory for the Northern pack. This iteration of the Toronto Raptors has a knack for being a shocking team in the league, as shown last week when they toppled the Boston Celtics in another huge upset.
But as great as Scottie Barnes was, in addition to helpful contributions from RJ Barrett, a surging Gradey Dick, and the stylish cowboy Bruce Brown, it was this hometown hero who surprised many with his strong night. That's right, we're talking about Kelly Olynyk.
Kelly Olynyk looked great against the Orlando Magic
Just over 22 minutes of action, and a team-high +39 plus/minus is completely absurd, but for all the right reasons. We've explored in previous pieces how Olynyk's game has taken a step back and how the Raptors' decision to extend him might be a bit of a blunder, and there was certainly sufficient statistical evidence to support those claims.
But just before you count a game-bred veteran out, here's K.O. rising to the occasion, and for good reason too, as trade rumors continue to ramp up.
The exact box score stats for Olynyk were as follows: 12 points on 4-for-6 field goal shooting, 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, three rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a whopping four blocks. Now, the common deficiency in Olynyk's game was still apparent in his breakout night, as he recorded five turnovers, but the good definitely outweighed the bad this time around.
Let's rewind back a bit to that +39 plus/minus for a second too. For context, the Raptors' starting center, Jakob Poeltl, ended the game as a -26 plus/minus. As great as Poeltl has proven to be this season, his interior presence was absolutely eclipsed by Olynyk by a grand mile. That just doesn't seem like a thought that would ever come to fruition, especially as it appeared Olynyk was on the verge of fizzling out to irrelevance.
As the late, great, Dikembe Mutombo would say: "No, no, no!"
This is exactly what rival squads need to see out of the Canadian big as the rumor mill has suggested Olynyk is one of the Raptors' expendable assets this trade deadline. His modest contract could be utilized greatly in a trade, whether its just between the Raps and another franchise, or if they opt to include themselves in a multi-teamer deal.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer has suggested recently and in reports prior that Golden State continues to show interest in acquiring Olynyk, after nearly coming close to a deal for him last year before he ultimately came home to Toronto instead.
So, now the league knows what Olynyk can do on his best night. That's precisely the strategy these vets circling around in trade buzz need to do for their careers, and for the benefit of their current squads' front offices.
The call to action has been answered by Kelly O, and now it's time for these playoff teams to come calling with an offer to gain his services.