Career Timeline of Kelly Olynyk: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kelly Olynyk made an impact.

Kelly Olynyk is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA and captain of the Canadian national team. He played college basketball at Gonzaga, earning All-American honors. Drafted 13th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2013 (but immediately traded to the Boston Celtics), Olynyk has played for several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat (reaching the 2020 NBA Finals), Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and Toronto Raptors before joining the New Orleans Pelicans and the Spurs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2009: Started College Basketball at Gonzaga

In 2009, Kelly Olynyk began his college basketball career at Gonzaga.

2011: Redshirt Junior Year

In 2011, Kelly Olynyk and Gonzaga agreed that he would redshirt his junior year to improve his game, meaning he would practice with the team but not play.

2012: Returned to Bulldogs Lineup

In 2012, Kelly Olynyk returned to the Gonzaga Bulldogs lineup for the first game of the season.

2012: Celtics Advanced to Eastern Conference Finals

Kelly Olynyk helped the Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2012.

July 7, 2013: Signed Rookie Contract with Celtics

On July 7, 2013, Kelly Olynyk signed his rookie scale contract with the Boston Celtics.

2013: End of College Basketball at Gonzaga

In 2013, Kelly Olynyk ended his college basketball career at Gonzaga.

2013: NBA Draft and Trade to Celtics

In 2013, Kelly Olynyk was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft and then immediately traded to the Boston Celtics after forgoing his senior season at Gonzaga.

October 29, 2014: Celtics Exercised Third-Year Team Option

On October 29, 2014, the Celtics exercised their third-year team option on Kelly Olynyk's rookie scale contract.

December 15, 2014: Career-High 30 Points

On December 15, 2014, Kelly Olynyk scored a career-high 30 points in a 105–87 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

2014: Rising Stars Challenge and All-Rookie Second Team

In 2014, Kelly Olynyk was selected for the Rising Stars Challenge and named to the NBA All-Rookie second team.

December 11, 2015: Season-High 28 Points

On December 11, 2015, Kelly Olynyk scored a season-high 28 points in a 124–119 double overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors.

March 16, 2016: Returned After Shoulder Injury

On March 16, 2016, Kelly Olynyk returned to action for the Celtics after missing 12 games with an injured right shoulder.

November 9, 2016: Season Debut for Celtics

On November 9, 2016, Kelly Olynyk made his season debut for the Celtics after recovering from right shoulder surgery.

January 13, 2017: New Season High with 26 Points

On January 13, 2017, Kelly Olynyk set a new season high with 26 points in a 103–101 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

July 4, 2017: Became Unrestricted Free Agent

On July 4, 2017, the Celtics renounced their rights to Kelly Olynyk, resulting in him becoming an unrestricted free agent.

July 7, 2017: Signed with Miami Heat

On July 7, 2017, Kelly Olynyk signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat.

July 2017: Signed with Miami Heat

In July 2017, Kelly Olynyk signed with the Miami Heat.

October 18, 2017: Debut for Heat

On October 18, 2017, Kelly Olynyk debuted for the Miami Heat, scoring 10 points in a loss to the Orlando Magic.

December 20, 2017: Career-High 32 Points

On December 20, 2017, Kelly Olynyk scored a career-high 32 points in a win over his former team, the Boston Celtics.

March 19, 2018: Scored 30 Points off the Bench

On March 19, 2018, Kelly Olynyk scored 30 points off the bench in a win over the Denver Nuggets, becoming the second bench player in Heat history to score 30 points.