In 2015 Kelly Olynyk’s reputation was impacted, but is the Utah Jazz forward still seen as a dirty player?
Kelly Olynyk is one of the NBA’s most versatile big men. His ability to rebound, play defense, pass and shoot has made him invaluable to teams like the Boston Celtics and of course the Utah Jazz. He’s a multi-faceted player who brings a lot to any team that he’s on. Yet, one playoff series in 2015 against Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers seemingly ruined his reputation.
While fighting for position, Olynyk ended up with Love’s arm and as the two moved forward, the two fell forward and Olynyk by hook or by crook, pulled Love’s arm out of the socket. Love’s shoulder was dislocated due to the action and ended up needing surgery that sidelined him for six months.
It was a move that ruined Olynyk’s reputation and had everyone calling him dirty and unfairly aggressive. The funny thing about that is that Olynyk had a reputation for being quite soft and nonconfrontational up until that moment. Many in the Boston sports market didn’t like Olynyk and didn’t see him as a long-term option for the squad due to his more tepid and less aggressive approach to the game and of course his lack of coordination.
Olynyk was known for being far from the athletic big of the Celtics.
As for the play in question, both men were grabbing at one another’s arm, it was just that when Olynyk had Love’s, the two tumbled forward toward the court together. This could lead us to the conclusion that while Olynyk was at fault for Love’s injury, it was likely more due to his clumsiness and less about trying to injure Love.
After all, if you watch the video of the incident, Olynyk’s eyes aren’t on Love, but the ball that’s skittering off towards the sidelines. The loose ball was the object that both men were looking at, not one another. Both Love and Olynyk were fighting for space and the lead by grabbing at one another, neither man did anything different than the other; simply the outcome was different.
It looks like Olynyk lost the battle of positioning and started falling forward, and instinctually tried to grab Love to balance himself, resulting in Olynyk yanking Love’s arm and injuring him.
Love didn’t forgive Olynyk for some time after the play, though the two eventually made amends.
Now, after eight years, what is Olynyks’ reputation?
Well, it’s very much what it was before the injury. Olynyk is seen as a good player, who isn’t that coordinated but can absolutely be a key asset for a team that wants to win. And while some will have you believe he’s a dirty player for the sake of it, a lot of others believe he’s just clumsy. Almost to a dangerous level.
And it’s hard to say if that’s a better reputation to have. He’s not dirty like Draymond Green or Grayson Allen, but it’s hard to say that Olynyk doesn’t deserve the criticism that he’s gotten over the years.
Olynyk seems like a good dude, and you never hear his teammates say a bad word about him, so maybe he’s just the big oaf that everyone makes him out to be.
Secret Base touched on the incident between the two, and it’s worth checking out if you have the time.