SALEM, N.H. -- Even after an early end to his rookie season with the Boston Celtics, basketball hasn’t stopped for Kelly Olynyk, who has spent much of the past four months on a basketball court, all while simultaneously filling up his passport.
Chris Forsberg/ESPN Boston
Kelly Olynyk and owner Steve Pagliuca at Canobie Lake Park with children from the MSPCC.There was a stop in Vietnam as part of an NBA-sponsored visit. He returned to Boston to work out with his teammates before trekking to Orlando for summer league. Olynyk then spent the better part of the past month with the Canadian senior men’s basketball team, competing in an European overseas tour that took him to Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and Spain.
On Tuesday, Olynyk trekked up to New Hampshire for about as much of a day off as he’ll allow himself. He joined up with Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca and 30 children from MSPCC for a Shamrock Foundation event featuring rides and amusements at Canobie Lake Park.
“[Summer has] been good,” said Olynyk. “Pretty busy, but it’s been fun. Lots of basketball.”
On Thursday, Olynyk will return home to Kamloops, British Columbia. Vacation? Hardly. He’s headed back to run his annual youth basketball camps.
“You’re always going, going, going, and it’s hard to get a little break,” said Olynyk. “But hopefully after [the camps] I’ll be able to relax for a week or so, then come back here in beginning of September ready to roll.”
Truth be told, Olynyk could use a small break. He confirmed an internet rumor that he tweaked his right wrist while landing awkwardly during a fall while overseas.
Olynyk was coy on the injury, but downplayed concerns. He wasn’t wearing a brace and didn’t seem cautious while distributing high-5s to the kids as they bounded off a bus in front of Canobie (one of them attaching themselves to Olynyk’s leg and seemingly unwilling to let go).
“It’ll be alright,” Olynyk said of his wrist. Told how even minor injuries tend to become big stories in these parts, he playfully added, “It’s not career-ending.”
Olynyk said he was previously scheduled to return to the area this week (Canada played its 11th and final exhibition in Spain today) and returning early after the wrist injury was merely precautionary. He talked of being ready to go when Celtics players start filing back to Boston in early September in advance of training camp.
Olynyk seemed more concerned about what rides awaited at Canobie.
“This is probably one of the coolest [community events],” said Olynyk. “The problem was, I did this one first last year, so I thought every event like this. This is a really great event. The kids love it, which is what it’s all about. You come here, have fun, take their minds off every day life; just relax and be a kid. That’s what it’s all about; being here at Canobie is special.”