After 13 seasons in the NBA, including a trip to the Finals with the San Antonio Spurs, veteran center Kelly Olynyk is continuing his career overseas.
Olynyk, 35, has joined BC Roma in Italy, ending an NBA career that spanned more than 800 games, according to La Repubblica Europe.
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“I played 13 years in the NBA; it was time to step aside and make room for the younger generation,” Olynyk said during his introductory news conference.
The 6-foot-11 Canadian made an immediate impact in his debut Thursday, scoring 15 points, including six in overtime, as Roma beat Balkan Botevgrad 77-72 in the EuroCup. He later recorded 38 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Varese.
Olynyk said the opportunity to play in Italy came at the right time.
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“It felt like the right moment to come over,” he said. “When the opportunity to join Rome presented itself, we thought it was a perfect fit.”
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Olynyk began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics in 2013 after playing college basketball at Gonzaga. He later played for several teams, including the Miami Heat, helping them reach the 2020 NBA Finals.
He spent his final NBA season with San Antonio, helping the Spurs reach the 2026 NBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks in five games.
Olynyk also helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, defeating the United States in the third-place game.
He told La Repubblica Europe that his familiarity with Italy influenced his decision. He had previously visited the country on his honeymoon.
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Olynyk said his new jersey number, 22, carries special meaning.
“I chose it for my daughter, who was born on September 22nd,” he said.
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This article originally published at Former Spur Kelly Olynyk takes his 13-year NBA career to Italy.
