Kelly Olynyk.
I think we're in trouble if that's the case.
I don't think so. Kelly was very effective for us before his shoulder injury. He has improved defensively and would be just fine with another athlete at 4 to pair with him. Our perimeter defense has so much range, length, quickness and strength, Olynyk's remaining defensive faults would almost always be protected.
The biggest problem with finding a partner for Olynyk is that he's both a limited defender outside the paint
and he's, at best, an average rebounder. Usually guys that can be hidden deep in the post such as Valanciunas or Kanter have tremendous rebounding ability which complements such defensive roles. That largely eliminates otherwise ideal partners for Olynyk in the 2016 Draft Class such as Marquese Chriss or Skal Labissiere, as both will enter the league as poor rebounders and likely never gain an advantage on the glass. Deyonta Davis could be interesting, especially if the whispers about his evolving jumper are legitimate.
If we're going to find a frontcourt partner for KO, though, it's likely going to come via free agency or trade. One guy that intrigues me is Portland's Ed Davis. Could he be Danny's next diamond in the rough? Davis is a strong finisher inside, an excellent rebounder, and can knock down open midrange Js. He has impressive steal and block rates, indicative of his defensive energy and mobility. Though he just signed a 3 year deal last summer, he could had for cheap as it appears Miles Plumlee emerged this playoffs as Portland's preferred frontcourt prospect (they also have Meyers Leonard, Al Farouq Aminu, and RFA Moe Harkless, who found success as a small ball 4 this season). If we take Bender, Ed Davis would be a great option while Bender develops in the meantime, and likely would serve as a valuable member in an eventual 3-man frontcourt rotation of Bender, Olynyk and Davis.