German National Louis Olinde is exploring the possibility of moving to the NBA this season. Olinde has played the last three seasons with German Club Alba Berlin. He has already worked out with the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Olinde has an upcoming session with the Portland Trail Blazers while he is slated to play with the Phoenix Suns in the Summer League.
NBA Rumors: German Prospect Looking To Make Move To NBA This Summer
According to BasketballNews, Olinde is also a prime target of some big EuroLeague teams. The following is what Olinde had to say about his future.
“Sure, I hope there’s a chance. I’m pretty confident there’s a chance this summer. I believe I had a good year in Europe, and I think my game and the role I can play transfer well to the NBA. It only takes one coach or GM who really wants you and appreciates your game. The chances are always there. I’ll see what happens this summer, and I’m truly excited.”
Who Is Louis Olinde?
Olinde was born in March 1998 in Hamburg, Germany as his father Wilber remained in the country following his playing days. Wilber Olinde, who won a national title with UCLA in 1975, played for ASC 1846 Gottingen.
Olinde started playing youth basketball with BC Hamburg. At 13 years old, the 6-9 forward played in the JBBL with Piraten Hamburg. He then moved to the NBBL, which is Germany’s highest youth level, at the age of 16.
Olinde joined the pro ranks in 2014-15 with SC Rist Wedel in Germany’s third-tier ProB. But he didn’t get any playing time until the next campaign, where he played for SC Rist Wedel and Pro A side Hamburg Towers. Olinde was also eligible to play for Piraten Hamburg, earning NBBL all-star honors.
Olinde attended the NBA Top 100 camp in Charlottesville, Virginia, in June 2016. He subsequently signed a four-year deal with Brose Bamberg of the German-top flight Basketball Bundesliga.
However, Olinde has always had an eye toward jumping to the NBA. He spoke to former Draft Express scout Mike Schmitz about possibly playing in the NBA in 2018.
“Oh, in the NBA. That’s my big goal. I want to play minutes in the NBA, carve out a role for myself, and make a name in the league.”
After averaging 6.8 points and 5.3 rebounds during the 2919-2020 campaign, Olinde signed a three-year pact with Alba Berlin. Olinde improved each of those seasons in Berlin. This past season, he posted career numbers across the board with 8.1 points, 4.3 boards, and 1.1 assists. Olinde also recorded his best shooting campaign compiling a slash line of .506/.391/.791 in 27 EuroLeague contests this past season.
What Does Louis Olinde Bring To A Team?
Olinde fits the profile of a 3-and-D wing. He is athletic and can guard multiple positions. Where he excels defensively is on the ball due to his length and quickness.
Offensively, Olinde has really improved his shooting. He is excellent in transition, cuts well, and is very good at shooting off the catch. Olinde does need to improve as a shot-creator and passer. The 25-year-old also needs to continue to develop his 3-point shot.
“Obviously, my shooting has improved significantly over the years, allowing me to space the floor and become a threat from the outside, Olinde said. “I believe these are the two main aspects of my game that have truly improved over time.”
Analysis
Not knowing how Olinde performed in his workouts, but if he impresses during the Summer League, he should have an excellent chance of at least earning a two-way contract. s the Warriors, Suns, Thunder, and Trail Blazers are looking to fill out their rosters. KC is probably the best fit for him due to their youth on the roster. The Thunder also provide an easier path than the other teams for Olinde to get playing time as long as he performed well.
