Veteran guard Avery Bradley and center Kelly Olynyk are with the Rockets in Minnesota, but neither played in Friday’s game, since their post-trade physicals are still in the process of being finalized.
While many observers around the league were underwhelmed by Houston’s trade return for Victor Oladipo, head coach Stephen Silas is focused on the positives. In comments before Friday’s tipoff at Target Center, Silas offered initial impressions of the veteran duo from Miami.
“They’re here, but the physicals are pending and whatnot, so they’re not available,” said Silas, noting that the trade was executed only moments before the team’s flight to Minnesota. As a result, Silas said he hadn’t yet had an opportunity to map out his full plan for how to use them.
I’ve thought about [their roles] a little bit. I haven’t thought about it enough to really give you a good answer.
I envision Avery kind of being a multi-purpose guy. He’s one of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA over the last 10 years. He’ll have that role. He’ll shoot his spot-ups, and he’ll use his veeran savvy.
And Kelly, he’s not just a shooter. I think sometimes, he gets kind of put in a box as if he’s just a pick-and-pop shooter, and he can do so much more. He can put the ball on the floor, he can dribble-handoff. He creates action, and he’s a stout defender.
As far as how that fits into the group, I’m going to have to do a little bit more study tonight and tomorrow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG3e3IC6lY0
Now 30 years old, Bradley is averaging 8.5 points in 21.1 minutes per game this season, and he’s shooting 42.1% from 3-point range. In addition to perimeter defense, Bradley’s outside shot could help a Houston squad that ranks dead last in the NBA in 3-point accuracy.
Meanwhile, Olynyk averaged10.0 points and 6.1 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per game with the Heat. The 29-year-old is in the final year of his existing contract, while Houston has a team option on Bradley’s deal to potentially retain him for the 2021-22 season, if they desire.
The Rockets (12-31) entered Friday with 21 losses in their last 22 games, so any contributions by the newcomers could represent improvement.
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