Kelly Olynyk, Travis Peterson

Boston Celtics' Kelly Olynyk, left, looks to past the ball around Detroit Pistons' Travis Peterson, right, during an NBA summer league basketball game, Monday, July 8, 2013, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

(AP Photo/John Raoux)

BOSTON -- Celtics rookie Kelly Olynyk, who could not play for the Canadian national team this summer due to a case of plantar fasciitis, said Friday his foot condition is improving.

"Good, it's getting a lot better," Olynyk said at Holland Elementary School in Dorchester, where the Celtics teamed up with the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for a community event. "Obviously still making precautionary measures to make sure I'm ready to go for training camp, and hopefully it doesn't linger throughout the year."

Plantar fasciitis is known as one of the most frustrating injuries for professional athletes because, except for rest, no treatment has proven very helpful. Without the proper rest -- and, with such a busy schedule, NBA players rarely receive much -- the condition can impact players for months.

Asked if the injury might limit him during training camp, the 7-footer responded, "Hopefully not, that would be the best thing. And hopefully it doesn't limit you throughout the year as well."

Olynyk, 22, averaged 18.0 points and 7.8 rebounds as arguably the most impressive rookie at the Orlando summer league. Though the Celtics have many potential frontcourt contributors, the lottery pick, if healthy, seems likely to earn plenty of minutes.