Is Kelly Olynyk in Running Point? NBA player’s cameo in the Netflix show, explained

Canadian NBA player Kelly Olynyk's unexpected yet fantastic appearance in Netflix's sports comedy series, Running Point, lends the show an air of authenticity about the depiction of professional sports. The official description of Running Point is as follows:

"A reformed party girl must prove herself as a businesswoman when she's unexpectedly put in charge of her family's pro basketball team."

His short role has stirred a frenzy among fans and basketball lovers alike. But how did this NBA star get cast for the role, and what does his appearance mean for the series? Here’s an in-depth look at Kelly Olynyk's role in Running Point and what it means.

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Olynyk's role in Running Point

Kelly Olynyk plays the role of Ralston, a character for the Portland Storms. Ralston enters the court for a crucial moment and gives a buzz shot to secure victory over the fictional Los Angeles Waves. Although Olynyk doesn't have any dialogues, his presence as a professional basketball player compellingly progresses the scene. This choice embodies the show's commitment to true basketball action.

It is clear that the choice of Olynyk was made with the producers' concern for realism in mind. Other personalities and sportspersons in cameo roles within Running Point give another layer of credibility to the narrative. Fans noted the cameo by the NBA star, initiating discussions across social media, on platforms such as Reddit and X.

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The concept behind Running Point, and Olynyk's impact

Running Point is a series that is based entirely on fiction, although it closely resembles the real-life experience of Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Co-produced by Buss and Mindy Kaling, the series revolves around Isla Gordon, a woman who finds herself trying to manage a professional basketball team. It portrays the very-near realities of sport management with humor and drama.

While Olynyk's brief appearance in the show helps achieve its main goal of fusing fiction with reality, his speaking part serves another purpose: To highlight how sports and entertainment only become more intertwined over time. Other guest stars who have appeared are tennis great Chris Evert and actor Macaulay Culkin, making the series even more exciting.

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Indeed, the presence of Kelly Olynyk in Running Point speaks to the authenticity of the show, closing the gap between sports and entertainment.

As Running Point rises in popularity, fans will marvel at the creative choices made to keep the show entertaining and grounded. Whether you are a basketball fan or someone who enjoys watching entertaining dramedies, Olynyk's cameo will be a truly delightful cherry on top of many star-studded moments in the show.