Kelly Olynyk is glad Kevin Love is progressing well in his recovery from shoulder surgery. He’s sorry he played a role in the Cleveland Cavaliers forward missing the remainder of the NBA playoffs.
But once he returns to action following his one-game suspension, the Boston Celtics center says his approach to the game will be the same.
“I don’t think you change the way you play,” Olynyk said Thursday during a Celtics community event at Canobie Lake Park, via the MetroWest Daily News. “If you’re a football player, and (an opposing player) breaks their arm or gets a concussion, you don’t stop hitting them.
“You are still going to have to fight for rebounds, do whatever it takes to get the ball. Not whatever it takes in terms of that kind of stuff (injuring another player), but do what it takes to get the ball. I think you’ve got to just keep playing.”
Olynyk touched on several topics during his media availability at the event. Some others:
On the Celtics reportedly agreeing to terms with free agents Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko: “Everybody who was in that late-season push was important — one through 15. Jonas and Jae are both great character guys. They really brought a lot to the team in terms of hard work, hustle, being able to make plays on both ends of the floor. They are both great locker room guys and great guys to have around.
“I was happy. Not only happy for our team, but happy for them. I think they like Boston and like the situation they are in. I know Jae and Jonas both love coach (coach Brad) Stevens and management. It’s really a great place to play and a great city.”
On the Boston Bruins’ decision to trade friend and fellow Toronto native to the Calgary Flames: “It’s tough any time you leave a place. But I think he’s in a good situation now. I am happy for him. And he gets to play in Canada. What’s better, right?”
And since Thursday’s even was held at an amusement park, the long-haired big man of course enjoyed some of the attractions. The result was pure photographic gold.
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Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
