Veteran center Kelly Olynyk, a name many had linked to the Golden State Warriors during this past summer’s free agency, is officially heading overseas, expected to sign a deal with BC Roma in Italy. This move comes after Olynyk reportedly couldn’t get the NBA offer he wanted this offseason, and it looks like it signals the end of his 13-season run in the most prestigious basketball league in the world. While a return is “technically possible,” the smart money says his NBA career is finished.
The Warriors Link That Didn’t Pan Out
It feels like ages ago now, but just this past offseason, Kelly Olynyk was a constant presence in free agency rumors, with multiple reports connecting him to the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs ultimately went in a “different direction,” but Olynyk’s name kept popping up. Now we know why he was still out there. It’s tough when a respected veteran can’t find the right fit in the NBA, especially after being part of a team that just made a run. For Olynyk, it means a new chapter in Rome.
A Career of Consistency and a Quiet Exit
Olynyk, now 35, started his pro journey as the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, drafted out of Gonzaga by the Boston Celtics. He immediately became a go-to guy in the Celtics’ rotation, a valuable “stretch big” before that was even as common as it is today. His career took him to Miami, Houston, Detroit, Utah, Toronto, and finally, the San Antonio Spurs. Over 842 NBA games, including 283 starts, Olynyk averaged a solid 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per game, shooting 48.6% from the field, 36.9% from three, and 79.4% from the line. Last season, though, was a different story. Despite being with the Western Conference champion Spurs, Olynyk played the smallest role of his career, appearing in just 42 games and averaging a mere 8.6 minutes per appearance. It was a quiet end to a consistent career.
For Olynyk, a player with roots right here in the Pacific Northwest from his Gonzaga days, it’s a significant shift. He’s been a professional for over a decade, a reliable presence on a bunch of different squads. Now, he’s taking his game to Italy. It’s a new adventure for him, and hopefully, he finds success and enjoyment there. It’s always a bit bittersweet to see a veteran’s NBA chapter close, but 13 seasons is a serious accomplishment. Good luck, Kelly!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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