The Celtics were hoping to re-sign center Luke Kornet last summer, but their desire to duck below the second apron limited what they could offer, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Kornet, who accepted a four-year, $41MM c0ntract with the Spurs, returns to Boston tonight with his new team. At this morning’s shootaround, he talked to reporters about his decision to move on.
“It was ultimately between San Antonio and Boston,” Kornet said (YouTube link). “I had a lot of conversations with my wife, said a lot of prayers and had conversations about where we are in life. It was very, very difficult to leave and we had a lot of relationships (here). We were in a different part of life and kind of being open to wherever God kind of willed us and see where it took us. You sort of accept it and take that step forward and figure it out from there.”
The move has worked out well for Kornet, who has started 21 of the 29 games he has played this season and is averaging career highs of 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds. He’s been a valuable addition for San Antonio with Victor Wembanyama battling injuries through the first half of the season.
Kornet’s former Celtics teammates are glad to see him doing well.
“Just a great teammate, honestly, is a great leader, and got tremendously better over his time here,” Payton Pritchard said.
There’s more from Boston:
- Sam Hauser has moved back into the starting lineup over the past four games and is making a strong case to stay there, Robb adds in a separate story. Hauser contributed 19 points while shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range in Friday’s win over Toronto, but coach Joe Mazzulla was most impressed with his defense on RJ Barrett, who was just 6-of-15 from the field. “I think everyone always sees Sam’s shooting,” Mazzulla said, “but his defense is top-notch, and he has the ability to focus on a guy and take tendencies, and I thought he was great defensively tonight.” Hauser will miss tonight’s game with hamstring tightness, per Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link).
- Anfernee Simons‘ $27.7MM expiring contract has made him the subject of trade rumors for a team that may be looking to move out of luxury tax territory, but the Celtics also have reasons to keep him. Robb notes in another piece that Simons reached double figures in scoring for the seventh straight game Friday night. His role off the bench has been expanding, as he’s averaging 17.8 PPG in January while shooting 54% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc. Simons insists he’s not distracted by the trade speculation as the deadline nears. “That’s the NBA,” he said. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year, every other week it seemed like. So it’s just a part of the NBA and you’ve just got to be where your feet are.”
- Teams have been defending Jaylen Brown differently since his 50-point game last week, observes Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe (subscription required). They’re trying to limit his scoring opportunities and take advantage of his long-time weaknesses as a ball-handler and playmaker, but Brown says he prepared himself for those tactics. Knowing he was going to be the primary scorer for the first time in his career while Jayson Tatum is sidelined with an Achilles injury, Brown has been working to improve those aspects of his game. “Teams are not just gonna let me do what I want every single night, and I’m OK with that,” he said. “I just gotta be better at reading the game, trust my teammates, empower my teammates, and just play the game the right way, and everything will work itself out. So I remind myself, give myself grace. I’m still learning.”
Kornet had been on minimum contracts all his career. He deserved a bigger bag and I’m glad for him
Yep, nobody in Boston will be holding a grudge. Only get one chance at that type wealth. Good for him.
Not to poke too much at religion, but I find it funny that God is now being asked to weigh in on what amounts to personal decisions; maybe I should pray to him to help me decide which restaurant to order out from tonight? I know the sort of move Kornet made is a big life decision but, jeez, maybe give God a break once in awhile.
(Hopefully this doesn’t trigger anyone lol)
In any event, he’s been as solid as advertised for us. Come quite a long way from where he was when he first entered the league.
It was funny he couldn’t just say they offered more money and there is no state income tax lmao
formerlyz, yes, I totally understand your sentiment.
It’s OK to choose the money and it’s OK if God told him to go with the Spurs and more money.
The goal of the Christian is to take money out of the world economy, and put it into God‘s economy with service and tithes and generosity towards your fellow man.
Just don’t buy a home in Texas. That’s where they get you.
I’m sure athletes don’t really care about the income taxes. They have accounts, etc. Just look at where players with the biggest contracts are playing.
shea, I appreciate the opportunity you provided to write on this. Also, thanks to Arthur for mentioning the full quote in the article above.
I can give you first hand look at a person giving the God perspective.
You’ll find most professional athletes who are Christians are quick to thank the Lord for their amazing position in life.
They realize their God given abilities, which provided the foundation to build upon to become a professional athlete.
Many of these guys would have different careers, whether it’s doctors or dishwashers, and as we all realize, to be a professional athlete as a living is a dream beyond compare.
As far as God providing guidance in day-to-day decisions or career choices, things like that, the creator of the universe is interested in every little detail of a believer‘s life. Both the big decisions and the little decisions.
So Luke going to God about where to play or where to work or shea, even where to eat Dinner, is a natural daily walk with the savior.
The dinner inquiry is all about being used by God.
Maybe I can minister to someone, serve someone, provide prayer, or help to someone in need financially ?
I hope this helps and just as you said, I hope this doesn’t trigger anyone.
And some wonder why others question the officiating in the nba. Here’s Boston at home against the spurs. About to lose a close one more than likely. 1 minute left in the 4th and Boston has shot 2 free throws. Lmao
I don’t think god is involved in negotiating contracts.
If it works for you god bless. Spurs needed a good backup center. Especially with Wemby coming back from serious illness. Kornet has proven to be a solid player. Spurs were willing to pay for that assurance he gives them. He has been playing well for them. He’s earned it and is one of the good guys. Also great to be on a good team. Spurs are young. And he is a vet leader there. Happy to be getting paid. Good for him.
Simons is a great fit on this team. A scorer/shooter. He can get good looks on this team. And easily put up 20. He should be starting with White. He may want a big deal is the issue. But at a fair price. He is a great fit on Celtics. I try to sign him