Shoulders has been a common topic of conversation for Kelly Olynyk. He dislocated Kevin Love’s shoulder in the 1st round of the Playoffs last year, then went on to injure his own shoulder and now has pretty much permanent damage in it. Unless he decides to have surgery on it.
Olynyk and the Celtics aren’t fighting to remain in the Playoffs right now, but Olynyk still has plans of basketball this summer. The Canadian native is trying to help Canada’s national basketball team qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics but his shoulder may keep him out of international play.
According to CSN New England, Kelly Olynyk spoke is still weighing his options on his shoulder:
“If I rest it, I would definitely partake in the Olympic (qualifying tournament),” Olynyk told CSN at a fundraising event for Horizons for Homeless 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.”
If Olynyk does decide to have surgery, he’ll have to make that call within the next week or so.
So if he gets surgery, he won’t be able to play for Canada to help them qualify. Canada has improved significantly in international play, thanks to the development of their young players like Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins, Magic forward Andrew Nicholson, Kentucky Wildcat Jamal Murray and Kelly Olynyk. So how long will Olynyk be out for if he makes the decision?
Doctors have indicated to Olynyk that his recovery time from surgery on the right shoulder would be around five months.
Getting surgery immediately would still likely result in him missing some or all of training camp. And depending on how his shoulder responds following surgery, he could potentially miss the start of the season.
That’s why Olynyk said he’ll make a decision very soon.
“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 doctors are saying it’s kind of inevitable,” Olynyk said.
The injury kept Olynyk out of 2 of the games in the Playoffs in the 1st round this year and didn’t let him find his shooting touch at all. Olynyk averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds shooting 45% from the field this season for the Celtics, who will be focusing on lottery balls this week to determine their bright future.
