Celtics Introduce Draft Picks Olynyk, Iverson
BOSTON (CBS) - Two of the newest Boston Celtics were introduced on Monday, and gave back to their new community as well.
First-round pick Kelly Olynyk and second-rounder Colton Iverson were both introduced by GM Danny Ainge in Mattapan, with high hopes of contributing to a team that not many know what to expect out of in 2013-14.
"Ever since I was four or five years old, when I first touched a basketball, I wanted to be in the NBA," said Olynk, who was at home with family in Canada when we was selected 13th overall. "That was my dream and goal my entire life. I never lost sight of it as inevitable, as unrealistic as it seemed, I never lost sight of it."
Olynyk, a seven-footer the Celtics see more as a power forward than center, was a consensus All-American and the West Coach Conference Player of the Year during his 2012-13 season at Gonzaga, averaging 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 35 games.
Now, he's ready to take his game to the next level.
"You need to bring a work ethic, to get into the gym and really take your game to the next level in every aspect," he said of adapting to the NBA. "Physically it's something you have to adapt to. You're playing to grown men and everyone is that much stronger, quicker and faster. You have to adapt to that and keep working."
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Olynyk is also well know for his long hair, which Ainge pointed out a few times during the press conference. Asked if there were any plans for a trim, Olynyk wouldn't shed any details.
"We'll definitely have to look at that in the near future... There could be some plans," he said with a big smile. "There's a lot more you can do with it the more you have."
The Celtics traded for the rights of Iverson, sending cash considerations to the Indiana Pacers. The seven-foot center was named an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press as a senior at Colorado State, and also earned First Team All-Mountain West honors after averaging 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
"I'm really excited to be here; a great organization with 17 World Championships," said Iverson. "There aren't a lot of numbers to choose from; there have been a lot of great players here. I'm excited and thrilled to be here, put in the work."
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The two rookies were in Mattapan at the Mildred Ave Teen Center, not only to be introduced by the team but to get an early start helping the Boston community as well. The rookies were on hand to help unveil the new Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation multipurpose teen room at the center. The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation helped transform a cluttered room into a gaming room with a pool table, ping pong table, air hockey table, Xbox 360 and a new technology lab.
