Thunderous Intentions
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5 X-Factor 2017 free agents OKC Thunder should target

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Apr 12, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) block a shot by Washington Wizards guard Tomas Satoransky (31) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) block a shot by Washington Wizards guard Tomas Satoransky (31) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free Agents
May 23, 2017; Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) celebrates his dunk beside Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kelly Olynyk:

Only in Boston would a player named Kelly find his niche during the playoffs.  The Canadian big man offers something OKC currently don’t possess. A center who can nail shots from the perimeter and thereby spread the floor.

Although his rebounding, blocks, and defense are on the low side for a big. But, he possesses tenacity, girt, and above-average ball-handling for his size. In fact, the Canadian started out as a point guard which may explain his ball-handling talent. With Danny Ainge laser-focused on luring Gordon Hayward and Paul George to Boston, Olynyk is likely to be a casualty of the recruiting process.

And, if you think his Game 7 performance against the Wizards was a fluke I’ll point you to a Canadian National game where Olynyk kept his Canucks in the contest. He scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds on a day when Andrew Wiggins and Canada’s bigs weren’t having success it was Olynyk who delivered. Bottom line, Olynyk isn’t afraid of the moment and should be added to the Thunder free agents shortlist.

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