Olynyk's Enjoying his Offseason

It's been quite the summer for Kelly Olynyk. For the last four months the Celtics forward has traveled to Vietnam as part of an NBA sponsored visit. He returned to Boston to workout with his teammates, before heading to Orlando; where he shinned in summer league play. Then for the last few weeks, he's been touring with the Canadian National team competing in exhibition games that included stops in Croatia, Italy, Slovenia and Spain.

"Summer has been good," said Olynyk. "Pretty busy, but it's been fun. Lots of basketball." [ESPNBoston.com]

On Tuesday, the fun did not stop for the second year forward as he traveled to New Hampshire for a Shamrock Foundation event. Olynyk, and Celtics co-owner; Steve Paglicua spent the day on amusement rides with 30 children from the MSPCC at Canobie Lake Park. Needless to say someone enjoyed himself for the second straight year.

"This is probably one of the coolest community events," said Olynyk. "The problem was, I did this one first last year, so I thought every event was like this. The kids love it, which is what it's all about. You come here, have fun, take their mind off every day life; just relax and be a kid. That's what it's all about; being here at Canobie is special." [ESPNBoston.com]

You would think that there would be some rest between now and training camp, but tomorrow the Canadian plans to travel home to Kamloops, British Columbia, where he will run his annual youth basketball camps. Despite the busy few months, the C's forward is well aware of what's to come.

"You're always going, going, going, and it's hard to get a little break," said Olynyk. "But hopefully after the camps I'll be able to relax for a week or so, then come back here in the beginning of September ready to roll." [ESPNBoston.com]

Despite a rumor of Olynyk tweaking his right wrist last week in Spain (which he confirmed was true), when he landed awkwardly during a fall. He was not seen wearing a brace and there was all smiles and high-fives all around on Tuesday at Canobie. He didn't seem worried in the least bit and downplayed the injury, as his early return from Europe was merely precautionary. The power forward will be ready to go once players begin to return to Boston in early September.

"It'll be alright," said Olynyk of his wrist. "It's not career ending." [ESPNBoston.com]


Joel Pavón


To hear more on what Kelly Olynyk had to say about playing with the Canadian National team and their European Tour, click here