Inside The Jazz

Former Jazz C Kelly Olynyk Speaks on Raptors Debut: 'I Had Chills'

The former Utah Jazz big man is fresh off of playing his first game with his hometown team.

Jared Koch

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On Saturday night, fans got a chance to see former Utah Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk in his new Toronto Raptors threads for his debut matchup. After being traded at the deadline along with Ochai Agbaji, the Canadian native finally gets an opportunity to live out a dream and play for his home country and with a team he grew up watching.

It was a surreal moment for the 11-year league vet in his first game for the franchise, one which he spoke about after the Raptors' 119-95 loss vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. Olynyk commented on his experience checking into the game for the first time, along with how things went in the contest on a short preparation window:

It just gives you chills. Special, special moment. Having the support and love of this whole country. It was evident...You just kind of don't know what to expect. Just trying to assimilate the best you can. Obviously, it's really tough. You don't really know what's going on on both ends of the floor. I think that was probably pretty evident in the first half. In the second half, we found a little bit of rhythm, found a few simple sets that everybody knew, and it got better that way."

It was an overall productive performance for Olynyk despite the loss and small adjustment period to his new roster. In 22 minutes, he posted 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. As for Agbaji, he provided eight points and three rebounds of his own.

Olynyk and Agbaji will have some time to acclimate to their new team across the coming week during Toronto's three straight upcoming home games, along with the All-Star Break approaching next week. The Raptors' next game is set for Monday against the San Antonio Spurs.

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Jared Koch
JARED KOCH

Jared Koch is the Associate Editor of The Frozen Rope — SI.com's team website covering the Utah Jazz. He's covered the NBA and NFL for the past two years, also being the Managing Editor of Inside The Kings — SI.com's team website covering the Sacramento Kings.

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