While Luka Doncic is focused on success with the Lakers, he has taken on another responsibility. Earlier this year, the 27-year-old became co-founder of an Italian basketball team. For the team’s success, it was paramount to add leadership, and that search has led to the signing of Victor Wembanyama’s former Spurs teammate.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
BC Roma began in 2026 after Vanoli Cremona relocated to the Italian capital. The club quickly assembled a notable advisory board. Bryan Colangelo, Chris Mullin, and Valerio Bianchini are all part of it. Donnie Nelson serves as the lead and managing partner. Luka Doncic has kept a close eye on the team since its launch. He has even followed its early games, including its EuroCup debut. And there is another development at the club as they signed a former Spurs star.
“Busy week for BC Roma in its debut season,” Marc Stein reported on X. “The Italian club co-founded by Donnie Nelson and Luka Dončić has signed Kelly Olynyk after the 13-year NBA veteran played in San Antonio last season.”
Stein called it a busy week because earlier the Italian club leaned on Luka Doncic and the Nelson connection from Dallas. “hired longtime Mavericks executive George Killebrew as president of global business operations. Killebrew spent nearly three decades with Dallas and most recently served as Pickleball Inc. Chief Revenue Officer.”
George Killebrew is taking over as president of global business operations. The former Mavericks revenue executive also previously served as commissioner of Major League Rugby. Killebrew spent 27 years with the Dallas Mavericks. He played a major role in the franchise’s commercial growth.
During his tenure, he helped generate more than $500 million in sponsorship revenue. His responsibilities also covered ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and media rights. So first they signed Killebrew, and then they pursued the former Spurs star.
Kelly Olynyk built a steady NBA career over 13 seasons. He averaged 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per game. He shot 48.6% from the field and 36.9% from three.
His best offensive stretch came in 2020–21 with Houston after his midseason move from Miami. Olynyk put up 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 31.1 minutes per game. He also remained efficient from the floor. There were other stretches when his scoring climbed into double figures, and his passing became a bigger part of his game.
Olynyk also played key roles on deep playoff teams. He helped Boston reach the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals. Three years later, he was part of Miami’s run to the 2020 NBA Finals.
His time in Utah showed another side of his game. Olynyk started regularly, especially during the 2022–23 season, and contributed as a passer. His role changed later in his career. With San Antonio in 2025–26, his minutes dropped sharply. He averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in just 8.6 minutes per game. The 35-year-old big man is also a mainstay on the Canadian national team.
In fact, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson highlighted Olynyk’s value beyond limited playing time.
“Kelly’s been a very unique perspective because he’s been around this league and seen the real NBA. We have quite a few guys that have been with just our team and sometimes your perspective, when it’s that narrow, is misleading at times. For Kelly, who’s been part of teams that have won at a high level and that have lost a lot of games, his perspective has been invaluable.”
Wembanyama specifically praised Olynyk’s defensive guidance and basketball IQ. “The remarks he makes, especially defensively, he’s got good guidance. He sees things that I personally don’t always get right away. It’s great I can trust what he’s going to tell me.”
The leadership quality of the former Spurs star is what Luka Doncic’s club is focusing on. Earlier in the off-season, the Warriors (along with residual Spurs interest) had interest in Olynyk. But another NBA move did not materialize, so the 35-year-old will now continue his hooping career in Italy.