Kelly Olynyk could play in Rising Stars Game, even without return to Celtics

Take that, America.

Even though Kelly Olynyk is currently sidelined for several weeks with a bad right ankle sprain, Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said Saturday that the Canadian could still suit up for the Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star Weekend.

The team is not expecting Olynyk back from injury before the break, but if Olynyk is deemed healthy enough, he may be given the green light for the Feb. 13 showcase. That would be good news for the World Team in the first year of a USA versus The World format for the former Rookie-Sophomore game, with the Canadian centering a frontcourt-heavy international squad.

In his second season out of Gonzaga, Olynyk is averaging 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists, making minor strides in both volume and efficiency on the offensive end.