Kelly Olynyk may put off shoulder surgery to play in the Olympics

Boston Celtics’ center Kelly Olynyk has a big decision to make and he needs to make it soon.

After playing with an injured shoulder through the end of the season, the expectation has been that Olynyk would undergo the surgery once the season had ended. But that may not be the case.

According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, Kelly Olynyk might hold off on the surgery and instead try to play in the Olympics for the Canadian team.

“If I rest it, I would definitely partake in the Olympic (qualifying tournament),” Olynyk said at a fundraising event on Sunday. “That would be the reason to not get surgery at this point. If you rest it, it’ll get better but never solve the problem. That’s what we’re looking at….”

“I’m still looking at it,” Olynyk said. “Probably make a decision sooner than later because the recovery is so long if you do get it. It’s hard to give up, Olympics, but when you do look at it, if you get hurt it’s even worse to give up the next season. It’s a tough decision.”

The expected recovery time for the surgery is five months. Even if Olynyk had the surgery tomorrow, he would still likely miss training camp and possibly the beginning of the season.

There’s an obvious obligation he has to the Boston Celtics’ team and organization because of this contract and commitment to his teammates. But a chance to represent your country in the Olympics doesn’t come around too often.

It is a tough decision that Olynyk will probably have to make in the next few days.

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