Post by FLCeltsFan on Sept 8, 2015 20:33:33 GMT -5
Random Thougts on Olynyk, Sully, Amir Johnson, and more...
Kelly Olynyk seems to be impressing people with his play on the Canadian National team. He is averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 assists along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, both of which are team highs. Here we are looking for a rim protector, and Kelly is out there swatting shots for Canada. He also seems to be getting better with every game he plays. Hopefully he can get through this tournament without an injury and come into camp full of confidence and ready for a break out season. Here is an assessment from the coach of the Canadian team:
The thing that I like is how he’s gotten better every game and it’s happened more at the defensive end than anything,” head coach Jay Triano said on Saturday.
“That just makes our offense flow better. He’s engaged, he’s in his stance when a guy’s coming off a screen and roll, he’s intimidating, he’s a 7-footer and he’s down in his stance. Coming off screen and rolls they’re not going to want to try to get into the lane.”
Olynyk ranks No. 2 at this tournament in blocks per game and is sixth in rebounding. As Triano indicated, Olynyk has looked sharper each time out.
Another player who may be poised for a break out season is Jared Sullinger. Sully has had the talent and the potential all along, but his conditioning and weight issues have held him back. From all reports, Sully is coming into camp in great shape. He has been working with John Lucas and photos show a slimmed down Jared and he seems to have added more stamina and if he doesn't slide back into poor habits, he may break out and have a big season.
Amir Johnson is serious about coming into camp ready to hit the court running. The NBA Players' Association has organized their first annual offseason training camp. The 3 day camp was held at Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball and is designed to prepare players for team training camp. which will convene at the end of September. Amir Johnson participated along with Paul Pierce, Kyle Lowry, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gay, and many others.
A few former Celtics who are hoping to catch on with a team for the season, including Marcus Banks, Keith Bogans, and Patrick O'Bryant, were also there. After a morning of individual on-court work with coaches, skill development drills and weightlifting and workout sessions, the players spent the afternoon playing pick up games. The fact that Johnson is trying to get in extra work before the season starts bodes well for his success in Boston.
There has been some talk of trading for Markieff Morris, who is unhappy in Phoenix and demanding a trade. Personally, I don't like players who demand trades. What's to say they won't be unhappy once they are traded and cause chemistry problems there. Add to that the fact that the Celtics have several players at the PF position who may end up better than Morris. I'm hoping Danny passes on going after him. I want to at least give our current crop of PF's to have enough of a chance to prove whether they are going to make a leap this season or not. I sure would hate to trade Sully or KO now and then have them blossom and become stars elsewhere.
Isaiah Thomas has been playing all summer in the Seattle Pro-Am and has made some headlines with his play. He sounds as excited as I am for the season to start. Here's what he had to say in a recent ESPN article:
"I can’t wait, man. It’s an exciting time of the year," said Thomas. "I’m ready for the season to start. I’m ready for us to get together as a team and just bond, and just put it all out there on the court."
Last season was fun to watch. In spite of the plethora of trades and the revolving door of players going in and out, the team came together and played well as a unit to close out the season. This year, hopefully there will be more continuity and they can build that chemistry from start to finish. There have been rumors that Danny is still looking to make a big trade but hopefully if he does, it will be early in the season. It won't be long now. I'm getting excited!! How about you?
Kelly Olynyk seems to be impressing people with his play on the Canadian National team. He is averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 assists along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, both of which are team highs. Here we are looking for a rim protector, and Kelly is out there swatting shots for Canada. He also seems to be getting better with every game he plays. Hopefully he can get through this tournament without an injury and come into camp full of confidence and ready for a break out season. Here is an assessment from the coach of the Canadian team:
The thing that I like is how he’s gotten better every game and it’s happened more at the defensive end than anything,” head coach Jay Triano said on Saturday.
“That just makes our offense flow better. He’s engaged, he’s in his stance when a guy’s coming off a screen and roll, he’s intimidating, he’s a 7-footer and he’s down in his stance. Coming off screen and rolls they’re not going to want to try to get into the lane.”
Olynyk ranks No. 2 at this tournament in blocks per game and is sixth in rebounding. As Triano indicated, Olynyk has looked sharper each time out.
Another player who may be poised for a break out season is Jared Sullinger. Sully has had the talent and the potential all along, but his conditioning and weight issues have held him back. From all reports, Sully is coming into camp in great shape. He has been working with John Lucas and photos show a slimmed down Jared and he seems to have added more stamina and if he doesn't slide back into poor habits, he may break out and have a big season.
Amir Johnson is serious about coming into camp ready to hit the court running. The NBA Players' Association has organized their first annual offseason training camp. The 3 day camp was held at Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball and is designed to prepare players for team training camp. which will convene at the end of September. Amir Johnson participated along with Paul Pierce, Kyle Lowry, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gay, and many others.
A few former Celtics who are hoping to catch on with a team for the season, including Marcus Banks, Keith Bogans, and Patrick O'Bryant, were also there. After a morning of individual on-court work with coaches, skill development drills and weightlifting and workout sessions, the players spent the afternoon playing pick up games. The fact that Johnson is trying to get in extra work before the season starts bodes well for his success in Boston.
There has been some talk of trading for Markieff Morris, who is unhappy in Phoenix and demanding a trade. Personally, I don't like players who demand trades. What's to say they won't be unhappy once they are traded and cause chemistry problems there. Add to that the fact that the Celtics have several players at the PF position who may end up better than Morris. I'm hoping Danny passes on going after him. I want to at least give our current crop of PF's to have enough of a chance to prove whether they are going to make a leap this season or not. I sure would hate to trade Sully or KO now and then have them blossom and become stars elsewhere.
Isaiah Thomas has been playing all summer in the Seattle Pro-Am and has made some headlines with his play. He sounds as excited as I am for the season to start. Here's what he had to say in a recent ESPN article:
"I can’t wait, man. It’s an exciting time of the year," said Thomas. "I’m ready for the season to start. I’m ready for us to get together as a team and just bond, and just put it all out there on the court."
Last season was fun to watch. In spite of the plethora of trades and the revolving door of players going in and out, the team came together and played well as a unit to close out the season. This year, hopefully there will be more continuity and they can build that chemistry from start to finish. There have been rumors that Danny is still looking to make a big trade but hopefully if he does, it will be early in the season. It won't be long now. I'm getting excited!! How about you?