The Pistons announced that big man Kelly Olynyk suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee Wednesday night against the Rockets. Olynyk will be re-evaluated in six weeks (Twitter link).
The Pistons signed Olynyk to a three-year, $37MM contract during free agency. The third year is a team option. He was signed to provide floor spacing for the Pistons, who have struggled with outside shooting the past two seasons (they’re currently dead last in team three-point percentage at 28.5%).
Through 10 games, Olynyk is averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals in 23.0 minutes per contest.
It’s a tough blow for the 2-8 Pistons, who are already thin in frontcourt depth. Although he has come off the bench for all but one game, Olynyk has played virtually the same amount of minutes as second-year starting center Isaiah Stewart (23.0 versus 22.9). Stewart’s minutes should increase with Olynyk sidelined.
Rookie center Luka Garza, who’s currently assigned to the team’s G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, figures to see some rotational minutes in Olynyk’s stead. Trey Lyles, another free agent acquisition, should also see an uptick in minutes as a small-ball center.
That’s a pretty big loss for the Pistons which will put even more pressure on Cade.
This season has been really lacking consistency & cohesion. Cade missing so much time, Hayes looks lost, & the shooting has been appalling.
Big blow but maybe now they will finally find a guy with some size and length to fill that void for now. I like Garza but he is a year or 2 away from being able to compete defensively in the league.
The Pistons are one of the worst teams in the league. If they “find a guy” it’s gonna be someone from the G League. No reason for them to spend any more money.
Hope they scoop Aron Baynes. He will be a nice stop gap until Olynk comes back.
Baynes is out all season because of injury.
At least this is good news for Garza, can’t wait to see more of him!