Olynyk part of NBA All-Star weekend

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops' own Kelly Olynyk is one of nine National Basketball Association rookies chosen to take part in the Rising Stars Challenge during the All-Star weekend mid-February.

Olynyk was drafted 13 overall at the NBA draft this past June and quickly made waves in the league as a Boston Celtic. He has averaged 18.3 minutes, 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 38 games so far this season.

The 7-foot center-forward was one of only two Celtics named to the Rising Star roster, the other was sophomore center-forward Jared Sullinger. Nine rookie and nine sophomore players are chosen from a pool selected by league assistant coaches. The teams will be chosen Feb. 6 and then fans get to vote for the starting lineups, which will be announced game night, Feb. 14.

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