Olynyk returns to Raptors to lead young bench
Global News
The Toronto Raptors' second unit can be renamed Kelly's Kids.
TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors’ second unit can be renamed Kelly’s Kids.
Canadian centre Kelly Olynyk returned to the Raptors’ lineup in a 125-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. It was Olynyk’s season debut after missing Toronto’s first 23 games.
At 33 years old, Olynyk was the oldest player to come off the Raptors bench by seven years.
“Jonathan (Mogbo) is a rookie, Ja’Kobe (Walter) is a rookie, Jamison Battle, rookie, Davion (Mitchell) is in his third, fourth year, said Olynyk, running down the post-game scoresheet. “So young but guys who play hard, play the right way.
“I think I can help them get organized, get good shots, keep the ball moving, and connect the pieces together. And I think that’s kind of what my job right now, for that second unit, will be.”
Olynyk, who was born in Toronto and raised in Kamloops, B.C., averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists over 28 games for the Raptors after he was traded by the Utah Jazz on Feb. 8.
He’s averaged 10.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 rebounds over 11 NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Utah and now Toronto.
Olynyk led all reserves on Saturday with 13 points, pulling down four rebounds, getting two steals and dishing out an assist. He said he was happy to be back after missing the Raptors pre-season and first quarter of the season.
