Pelicans forward/center Kelly Olynyk has appeared in just two games for his new team since being acquired in the Brandon Ingram trade at this month’s deadline, but he’s already making his impact felt in New Orleans. He immediately entered the Pelicans’ starting lineup in his debut on Friday, grabbed 15 rebounds in a win over San Antonio on Sunday, and is a plus-32 in 49 minutes through two games.
Praising the veteran big man for his professionalism and leadership, Pelicans head coach Willie Green also expressed enthusiasm for what Olynyk brings the team on the court, as Rod Walker of NOLA.com writes.
“He’s a vet. He’s been in situations where he’s been on a few teams. We all kinda run similar plays and have similar concepts,” Green said. “The terminology may be a bit different, but he’ll pick it up quickly. He’s an extremely talented player with his ability to pass, stretch the floor and rebound. He brings more size to our group, so we’re excited to get him and have him on the floor.”
Here’s more on the Pelicans:
- Michael C. Wright of ESPN (Twitter link) hears that Zion Williamson weighed 264 pounds as of Friday, which would be his lowest weight since the Pelicans drafted him in 2019. The former No. 1 overall pick has been excellent for New Orleans as of late, averaging 27.1 points in 27.4 minutes per game over his past 10 outings on 61.8% shooting.
- While he’s one of several Pelicans regulars to miss time with an injury this season, Jose Alvarado has been a bright spot for the team when healthy, averaging career highs in points (10.0), assists (4.5), and steals (1.4) per game, as well as three-point percentage (39.7%). In a story for NOLA.com, Walker highlights Alvarado’s contributions after his big game on Sunday vs. San Antonio, which included a career-best nine rebounds. “Jose was the vocal leader and his energy really shifted the course of the game,” Williamson said after the victory. “His energy is very infectious because it seems like he’s all over the court.” Alvarado signed an extension back in September that includes a $4.5MM guaranteed salary for next season and a $4.5MM player option for 2026/27.
- Rookie forward/center Karlo Matkovic appeared in just six of New Orleans’ first 42 games this season, but he has seen action in 13 of the past 15, including nine in a row. The 23-year-old enjoyed the best game of his young career in Sunday’s win over the Spurs, pouring in 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting in 21 minutes while also grabbing six rebounds. Matkovic told reporters after the game that he’s “embracing” the opportunity to play regular minutes for the Pelicans. “Being here, then (in the G League with) Birmingham, and then back and forth. Then getting minutes, not getting minutes,” he said, per Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. “I think that’s a part of the journey. The way it all started, drafted, stashed, working a way through, I think that’s the way it has to go.”
Karlo is not big enough to be a C, definitely a PF
Kelly Olynyk is not being bought out. NOP needs him, if GS wanted him they should have traded Payton and something. Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown fit good in NOP. Scottie Barnes who is a SF playing PF with Ingram playing SF too will not work trust me
So, by your standard, Kelly Olynyk is to small to play Center.
What makes you think the Warriors wanted Olynyk?
What is the specific size of player that you deem worthy of playing center? I guess you would kick Wes Unseld out of the Hall of Fame, even though he voted one of the 50 greatest players by his peers?
If you believe Zion is 264lbs. Then you believe Musk is doing this tor the American people.
Just like Zion tore up that sneaker. Thats the pressure he puts on his joints. Even in his best shape. So whats it like when he’s overweight. Which is all the time. Why would you sign a player. Who doesn’t care about his condition. Conditioning is the most important part of having a career in SPORTS.
Aren’t you tired of hearing about Zion and his weight. More press about this than his accomplishments on the court. He’s not a bust yet. He’s just ROBUST ………. rob U bust.