Luke Kornet looked comfortable in the Celtics‘ starting lineup Friday, even though he was making his first start in two-and-a-half years, writes Jay King of The Athletic. With Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford both sitting out the second night of a back-to-back, Kornet played 30 minutes and delivered a season-high 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting 9-of-11 from the field.
There had been doubts this week regarding Kornet’s future in Boston’s rotation considering the recent surge by two-way big man Neemias Queta. Kornet missed six games due to an adductor strain earlier this month and was held out of the last two in favor of Queta. He decided to focus on doing whatever he can to help the team rather than worrying about his own playing time.
“I feel like when you’re concerned about yourself and you’re in that situation, one, you start feeling a little bit powerless and stuff like that, which isn’t great,” Kornet said. “But then also you’re not really uplifting or benefiting anybody. And especially on an NBA roster and those 18 spots, there’s going to be a lot of guys who aren’t playing on any given night and you kind of have the choice to be able to, yeah, sort of like offer your work to the good of the group or just kind of close in on yourself. To me, it seems like the better solution is pretty clear in that.”
There’s more from Boston:
- Kornet’s performance may reduce the urgency for the Celtics to pursue another big man before the trade deadline, observes Brian Robb of MassLive. Robb points out that that Boston doesn’t have many sizeable contracts to use for salary matching outside of its top six players, and Kornet and Queta are playing as well as any center who might be available in that salary range.
- The Celtics are an even bigger favorite to win the NBA title after a successful West Coast trip and rival executives are taking notice, per Steve Bulpett of Heavy. “Before, they’d fall into a lot of one-on-one with (Jayson) Tatum and (Jaylen) Brown when things got tough, but you’re not seeing that really now,” a rival front office member told Bulpett. “Those guys are giving it up more when they should, and they’ve got too many people who can beat you.” Bulpett also spoke to sources about the impact that Boston’s offseason trades have had on the club.
- In an interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda, Porzingis acknowledges that it wasn’t easy coming to a team that traded its emotional leader to acquire him. “What they’re giving up for me was a big piece of this team — Marcus Smart,” Porzingis said. “I’m having to come in and not replace him, but come in with who I am and bring what I bring to a team. There was some responsibility.”
Celtics are a 2nd Rd exit
The Heat are not beating the Celtics this year. I don’t see a healthy Celtics team losing.
Only way they lose in the 2nd round is if Tatum gets hurt or if somehow Milwaukee ends up with the 4 seed.
No matter who they’re playing?
Great prediction. Seems solid.
I’ve never gotten the impression the team was unhappy with Kornet. I think Joe likes him.
Not to say he won’t get moved, but not surprising that he’d mesh easily with the starting lineup.
Both Stevens and Mazzula love Kornet.
I don’t see them making any trades they will be working on the buyout market
Can they even sign a buyout with the new CBA?
As long as the player’s pre-buyout salary is less than the mid-level exception ($12,405,000), yes.
Brissett, Kornet and Banton with a 2nd for Drummond. Promote Queta and Drew. Sign Jaylen Martin and John Butler on two ways. Sign Blake Griffin
No.
Fine
Great scott! Little less Back to the Future little more league pass, sport.
Okay so watching their PG be the top rebounder with 7 is okay for you. I hope you know more about hoops than you do with your jokes. Great Scott
Celtics now have the talent to go all the way. As long as our two young All Stars learn how and keep playing team ball. And, of course, don’t get hurt when the Playoffs come around. Karma.
The biggest difference this season, compared to the past few seasons, is they have learned how to defend their home court. 17-0 currently. Last year, they would’ve been 11-6 at home, losing inexcusable games. Maybe, someone showed them film, of the 1986 Celtics, playing at home. (50-1)
Celtics are weak in the head coaching ranks! In the playoffs coaching makes a huge difference.
Remember they have Van Gundy in the background. I do respect him
Good point maybe they will use their trade exception to move Joe. Any other suggestions/advice?
You cannot do that. I thought you knew everything with your league pass