Kelly Olynyk has reached the point in his career where he wants to be a mentor as well as an on-court contributor, so the Pistons seemed like a perfect fit in free agency, writes Lauren Williams of MLive. The addition of Olynyk brings another reliable shooter and passer to Detroit’s frontcourt along with eight years of experience that he can share with the team’s young players.
“It’s just about I’m at the point in my career where I think I can really help a team like this young team with leadership on and off the court,” he said. “So just, teaching guys because I’m nine years in now. I kind of have those tricks of the trade. It’s time to pass them on. So I thought it was a great opportunity from that standpoint and also a great opportunity to come through and play.”
Through two days of training camp, coach Dwane Casey is still figuring out exactly what he wants Olynyk’s role to be. Casey is counting on having the ball in Olynyk’s hands frequently, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
“I think he’ll be a high usage rate guy with the second unit, first unit or who he’s playing with, just because of his ball skills and his ability,” Casey said. “And one weapon you can have in the NBA today is a five man that can shoot the ball from deep.”
There’s more from Detroit:
- The Pistons are excited about rookie swingman Jamorko Pickett, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Pickett earned a two-way contract with a strong Summer League performance, and Casey said at media day that he has a chance to be a good player for several years. Casey admitted he didn’t know much about Pickett heading into the draft, but general manager Troy Weaver and scout Jason Buckner were watching him closely in college.
- Detroit will have more depth than in recent years, but Casey doesn’t plan to expand his rotation beyond 10 players, Edwards adds. The most intense competition figures to be at the backup wing, where Josh Jackson, Frank Jackson and Hamidou Diallo will all be fighting for minutes. “It’s crowded at the wing position,” Casey said. “There’s some healthy competition at that area. We’re going to need a couple different things; we’re going to need shooting, defense, with either unit. You want that balance, so we’re going to go with who gives us that balance at the wing position.”
- Second-year center Isaiah Stewart is getting some valuable instruction from new Hall of Famer Ben Wallace, per Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. “Today was probably the most I ever talked to him,” Stewart said after Tuesday’s practice. “I took advantage of the time and asked as many questions as I can. Hearing he’s going to be around more, I’m definitely going to be picking his brain. I hope he doesn’t get tired of that.”
Olynyk should make a good mentor for Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart.
Uhm grant literally came in the league the year after olynek sooo idk if he really needs that mentorship. Plus when you pay someone 20/mil a year I hope they don’t need to be mentored they should
Be the mentor…… ijs………
LMAO ^^^^ I wish I could like this comment so many times. Well done sir!
They will all have coaches. Olynyk should be a player not a ‘mentor’.
Grew up playing with Kelly in humble Kamloops, BC. He was a good pitcher and QB too
Was he ugly back then too? Weirdest looking player in the league today
Hopefully Casey can put competent rotations together b/c he is lucky he didnt get fired last season
“Lucky he didn’t get fired last season”???? What are you talking about?
By all accounts I’ve heard, Casey was exactly what Weaver wanted him to be last year…
I like Casey , but Bill Laimbeer has to be our next coach.
Naw he signed a two year contract, he not going anywhere unless the players turn on him…..as long as Laimbeer take over I’m good