5 Reasons Why Kelly Olynyk Running Point Is The NBA's Most Underrated Offensive Weapon

Kelly Olynyk's evolution from a stretch-five to a legitimate point-forward is one of the most fascinating and underrated tactical shifts in the modern NBA, culminating in his current role with the San Antonio Spurs. As of December 2025, the veteran big man, known for his unique skill set, continues to leverage his high basketball IQ and passing ability to facilitate offense, a role typically reserved for guards or elite wings. This strategic deployment is a direct response to the league's growing emphasis on positional versatility and has unlocked new offensive dimensions for every team he's recently played for, including a high-assist stint with the Toronto Raptors. The decision to trust a 7-foot center with primary ball-handling duties is not a gimmick; it’s a high-level coaching strategy that capitalizes on his ability to read the floor and exploit mismatches. Olynyk’s playmaking provides a crucial offensive hub, turning the traditional center role on its head and forcing opposing defenses to rethink their entire scheme. His recent statistical output, including averaging 3.6 assists in 22 starts during the 2024-25 season, highlights his effectiveness in this unique, hybrid position.

Kelly Olynyk: The Point-Forward's Comprehensive Profile

Kelly Tyler Olynyk, born April 19, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has carved out a long and versatile career in the NBA. His journey from an NCAA standout to a key rotational player and occasional starter showcases a rare blend of size, shooting, and playmaking.

• Full Name: Kelly Tyler Olynyk
• Born: April 19, 1991 (Age 34 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Height: 6’11” (211 cm)
• Weight: 240 lbs (109 kg)
• Position: Center / Power Forward (Point-Forward)
• College: Gonzaga University (Gonzaga Bulldogs)
• NBA Draft: 2013, 1st Round, 13th Overall Pick (Boston Celtics)
• Notable NBA Teams: Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs (Current Team as of December 2025)
• Career Highlights: NBA Finals appearance (2020, with Miami Heat), Canadian Men's National Team Captain.

The Tactical Genius of a 7-Foot Playmaker

The concept of "Kelly Olynyk running point" is not about him bringing the ball up the court every single possession like a traditional point guard. Instead, it refers to his role as a high-post or top-of-the-key facilitator—a tactical deployment known as a "point-forward" or "point-center."

1. Elite Floor-Spacing and Defensive Distortion

Olynyk’s most valuable asset is his ability to shoot the three-pointer at a high clip for a player his size. This floor-spacing ability is the foundation of his playmaking. When he catches the ball at the top of the key or the elbow, his defender—typically a slow-footed center—must guard him closely.

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As Cavaliers coach J. B. Bickerstaff once noted, Olynyk's presence "just spaces you out so much," forcing the opposing team's big men out of the paint. This defensive distortion creates massive driving lanes for guards and forwards, and opens up the paint for cuts and offensive rebounds, which Olynyk can then exploit with his passing.

2. High-Post Facilitation and Exceptional Passing Vision

Unlike traditional centers who operate with their back to the basket, Olynyk is often used as the hub of the offense, facing up from the high post or the three-point line. This vantage point allows him to survey the entire court, a key characteristic of a playmaker.

Coaches consistently praise his vision and passing ability. One analysis called him a "fantastic playmaker" who is used "a lot to facilitate our offense." His high-post passing includes finding cutters with timely bounce passes, hitting corner shooters, and initiating pick-and-rolls with a guard, making him a true offensive coordinator from the big man position.

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3. The Impact of High Assist Numbers on Recent Teams

Olynyk's move to the Toronto Raptors in the 2023-24 season served as a perfect case study for his playmaking potential. In his time with the Raptors, he significantly increased his playmaking output, averaging 4.6 assists per game—a career-high mark that is elite for a center. This increase was not a fluke; it was a direct result of the team's strategy to run the offense through him.

His 3.6 assists per game as a starter in the 2024-25 season further cemented his status as a non-traditional playmaker. This level of facilitation from the center position creates a unique headache for defenses, as it means the ball is constantly moving and the offense is less predictable, relying less on isolation plays.

4. Leveraging the "Crab Dribble" and Ball-Handling Versatility

While he may not have the handles of a Kyrie Irving, Olynyk possesses a functional ball-handling ability that allows him to initiate offense and attack closeouts. His signature "crab dribble"—a low, deliberate side-to-side dribble—helps him create space against slower defenders or navigate traffic in the paint.

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This skill allows him to not only pass but also to score when necessary, attacking one-on-one when defenses focus too much on his passing. This versatility forces defenders to respect both his pass and his drive, further opening up the floor for his teammates.

5. The Ideal Fit for the San Antonio Spurs' Future

As of late 2025, Olynyk’s current team, the San Antonio Spurs, is the perfect environment to maximize his point-forward role. The Spurs, who acquired him in a recent trade, value high-IQ passing and team-first basketball.

His ability to space the floor and facilitate from the perimeter is an invaluable asset, especially when paired with an elite talent like Victor Wembanyama. Olynyk’s passing ability allows Wembanyama to operate as an off-ball cutter or a screener, while Olynyk can feed him the ball in prime scoring positions. His veteran leadership and unselfish playmaking make him the ultimate teammate and a key cog in the Spurs' developmental and offensive strategy.

Olynyk's Legacy as a Modern NBA Big Man

Kelly Olynyk running point is more than just a novelty; it’s a blueprint for the modern NBA center. His unique combination of size, three-point shooting, and elite passing vision has made him a highly sought-after commodity across multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and Toronto Raptors. He represents the pinnacle of positional fluidity, where traditional roles are obsolete and the most valuable players are those who can perform multiple functions at an elite level.

By using Olynyk as an offensive facilitator, coaches like Darko Rajaković and others have demonstrated that the best offense is one where the ball can flow through any position on the court. His continued success in this hybrid role proves that basketball IQ and passing precision can be just as impactful as pure athleticism, regardless of a player's height or position.