Boston Celtics: Kelly Olynyk Named Starting Center

It was the obvious decision, but the Boston Celtics have named Kelly Olynyk the team’s starting center.

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The decision is less to do with Olynyk being a starter, and more to do with at what position he starts at. As the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn writes, the second-year big man is more of a natural power forward than center.

"Celtics coach Brad Stevens made the obvious decision to name Kelly Olynyk his starting center Wednesday, despite the fact that Olynyk is more of a natural power forward.While Olynyk, a second-year player from Gonzaga, is a classic “stretch four” with perimeter skills, Stevens said he is Boston’s best option at center, meaning the plans for oft-injured Vitor Faverani could be in doubt."

That also puts Jared Sullinger, who took some steps in his development under Stevens last season, at power forward. The Celtics are expected to play Jeff Green at small forward, Avery Bradley at shooting guard and Rajon Rondo at point guard with Evan Turner getting key minutes off the bench.

Offensively, Stevens has liked to spread the floor with shooters. The style is somewhat in vogue in the NBA, with the Miami Heat going to four-straight NBA Finals with Chris Bosh playing center. Olynyk will help spread the floor on offense while opening things up for the perimeter players.

The move also hints at Stevens’ defensive strategy. Without an above-average traditional center on the roster, playing Olynyk at the 5 will put his best athletes on the floor. We can expect the Celtics to continue to use Joel Anthony and new addition Tyler Zeller off the bench in certain lineups.

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