Houston Rockets: 2 pros and cons to re-signing Kelly Olynyk

When the Houston Rockets traded Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat for a 2022 first-round pick, Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk the belief was the Heat had gotten the best player in the deal. In the month since the trade went through, it has been the Rockets who have resoundingly come away on top.

While Avery Bradley hasn’t done much, Kelly Olynyk has been an absolute sensation. In 17 games he has averaged 17.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 30.9 minutes per game on 58.2-percent shooting from the field and 40.2-percent shooting from 3-point range.

All of those marks are near or are a career-best and when compared to what Oladipo has done in Miami it has to make Rafael Stone smile knowing he got one over the legend that is Pat Riley. Oladipo has appeared in four games for the Heat and posted averages of 12 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 27.8 minutes per game.

Oladipo’s shot had abandoned him in Houston but somehow in Miami, it has been even worse, with a 37.2-percent field goal percentage and a 23.5-percent mark from 3-point range. While Oladipo rebuffed the Rockets’ extension offer, a decision he may regret, the franchise should consider using some of the money meant for him on his replacement.

Olynyk won’t continue to shoot like peak Dirk Nowitzki but he offers the Rockets some much-needed scoring punch and front-court depth. However, the veteran has his limitations on defense and doesn’t fit the Rockets competitive timeline. These are two pros and two cons to the Rockets’ extending Kelly Olynyk.

Next: Pro #2