BOSTON – Kelly Olynyk's left knee injury will not prevent him from playing in the Olympic qualifying tournament for Team Canada next week, according to the Toronto Sun.
Team Canada coach Jay Triano told the newspaper that Olynyk, injured on Sunday in an exhibition game against Argentina, “will be fine” for next week’s FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament in Mexico City.
And that news bodes well for the 7-footer being ready to go for the Celtics when they open camp next month.
Olynyk is part of a Celtics roster that’s deeper than usual in the frontcourt.
Along with Olynyk, Boston returns 6-9 Jared Sullinger and 7-0 Tyler Zeller along with the re-signing of 6-8 Jonas Jerebko. In addition, the Celtics added a pair of 6-9 big men in Amir Johnson via free agency and David Lee (from Golden State) via trade. Boston’s frontcourt will also be strengthened by the addition of second-round pick Jordan Mickey who was the Celtics’ best players during summer league play.
Olynyk, heading into his third NBA season, is eager to build off last season when he averaged 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while averaging 22.3 minutes per game.