Their partnership on the floor may only be a few games old, but Hassan Whiteside seems to be very happy sharing the court with Kelly Olynyk this season. Although both of them stand 7-feet tall, their skill sets are very different. As last year’s rebounding leader plays like a traditional center who operates mostly near the basket, Olynyk is more of a stretch big man.
Whiteside only has good words to say about his new teammate, and even compared having him to playing alongside Chris Bosh, via Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald. He also made it clear that he wouldn’t mind James Johnson starting with him in the frontcourt, as both players compliment his game.
Whiteside says playing next to Olynyk is similar to playing next to Chris Bosh because he can score, help spread the floor. Says JJ more of a penetrator. No preference with who starts. #Heat
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 9, 2017
Olynyk signed with the Heat this offseason as a free agent after spending his first four years in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. He played a crucial role for them off the bench and became the backup of Al Horford, providing them with quality minutes night in and night out.
If he can channel his inner Chris Bosh and be as dynamic as him on both ends of the floor, Olynyk could turn out to be one of the most important signings for the Heat in recent memory. After the team only missed out on the playoffs last season due to a tiebreaker, his contribution to their cause might be what the team needs to once again make it to the postseason this year.
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