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Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Forward/center Kelly Olynyk is eligible to sign a long-term deal before the Oct. 30 deadline but the Celtics are likely to wait until next summer to determine whether to invest in him long term. This is a critical season for Olynyk, who is coming off shoulder surgery. He will be depended on to be the floor-stretching sharpshooter the Celtics have desired the past three years. Olynyk has missed 43 games over his first three seasons, primarily because of injuries. The Celtics want more toughness and consistency from their former first-round pick.
Globe (h/t CSNNE)
The Celtics aren’t going to extend Kelly Olynk before Oct. 30 because they don’t have to. And to be frank, KO doesn’t deserve an extension at this point.
We can see the tantalizing talent (40% 3 FG) along with the frustrating (inconsistency and rebounding) aspects of his game. I have a good feeling about Olynyk, but then again there was a time I thought Jared Sullinger would get in shape.
I realize the 2013 draft class isn’t exactly setting the NBA on fire, but it would be a blow if Olynyk flames out and isn’t resigned (a la Sullinger). There are some guys drafted after him that are making an impact – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert and Gorgui Dieng.
On Page 2, optimism is rampant in Celtics nation.
For Day 2 of our Celtics Summer Forecast, our 21-member panel of local bloggers was asked, “How will the 2016-17 season end for the Celtics?” Voters were given five options ranging from missing the playoffs to a trip to the NBA Finals.
A staggering 81 percent of the respondents pegged Boston to reach the Eastern Conference finals. One voter predicted a trip to the NBA Finals. In fact, none of the ballots cast predicted anything less than a trip to the second round of the playoffs.
The Celtics have won a whopping 2 playoff games in 3 seasons and suddenly we are a lock for the ECF?
Sounds about right.
