Earlier in the Celtics season, I was skeptical of Luke Kornet earning a significant role in the rotation, but that has changed. He more than held his own in the pivot against "Wonderchild Wemby" (Victor Wembanyama) in Boston's win over the Spurs.. Luke started the game and produced six points, nine boards, four assists, one steal and three blocks.
Kornet is an absolute threat inside on both ends of the floor. Per-36-minutes, he averages 8.7 rebounds per game - 4.4 of which are offensive. His footwork is nimble enough to guard out to the 3-point arc, and he has good hands to catch any type of pass inside. And he averages 2.5 blocks per-36-minutes.
Changed my mind on value of Luke Kornet!
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) January 18, 2024
Luke Kornet Highlights | Celtics vs. Spurs | 17th Jan 2024 https://t.co/GG9tSFIDfV via @YouTube
The question for some time has been - What effective backups at the center spot can produce in the second-half of the season and the playoffs? Does Joe Mazzulla have those subs on hand, or does Brad Stevens have to trade for one?
Neemias Queta and Luke combined for 17 rebounds last night - seven of which came off the offensive glass. Queta may foul a lot, but he adds muscle and toughness under the basket. Kornet plays more of a finesse game, and I am surprised (and delighted) at his recent success on the court.
Reckless trade scenarios abound out there concerning what big men might be available. It is beginning to look like they may be in the fold already.
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