When talking about the Boston Celtics this season, names like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis usually dominate the conversation. But what if I told you there's an unsung hero quietly making a huge impact off the bench? Enter Luke Kornet—the veteran big man who has carved out a crucial role for himself in Joe Mazzulla's rotation. While he might not be grabbing headlines, Kornet’s presence on the court has been invaluable for the Celtics, especially given the injury concerns surrounding key players like Porzingis and Al Horford.
Kornet isn’t your traditional high-flying rim-runner, nor is he a floor-spacing big man who knocks down three-pointers with ease. But what he brings to the table is just as important. His ability to set strong screens and facilitate offensive movement makes him a key piece in Boston’s pick-and-roll sets. He acts as a secondary passer, keeping the ball moving and creating opportunities for his teammates. It's an underrated skill set that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet, but its impact is undeniable.
One of the most impressive aspects of Kornet’s game this season has been his defensive reliability. Standing at 7 feet tall, he uses his size effectively to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and provide a steady interior presence. When tasked with containing opposing ball-handlers coming off screens, he’s held his own, showing a level of defensive discipline that has earned him the trust of the coaching staff.
With both Porzingis and Horford dealing with injuries at different points throughout the season, Kornet has stepped up in a major way. His ability to fill in as the primary backup center has allowed the Celtics to maintain stability in their frontcourt rotation. This kind of depth is crucial for a team with championship aspirations, and Kornet has proven that he’s more than capable of handling the responsibility.
What Makes Kornet So Valuable?
-
Screening & Playmaking: He doesn’t just set screens—he sets smart screens, freeing up ball-handlers and creating space for the offense to flow. His secondary passing in the pick-and-roll keeps defenses guessing.
-
Defensive Versatility: He may not be an elite shot-blocker, but his size and positioning make him a strong defender against drives and in pick-and-roll coverage.
-
Reliable Depth: Injuries happen, and Kornet’s ability to step in and provide solid minutes has been a game-changer for the Celtics.
While Kornet’s contributions might not always make highlight reels, Celtics fans and analysts are starting to take notice. In a recent episode of the Celtics Chronicle YouTube channel, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese dove deep into Kornet’s impact, breaking down why he’s been such an underrated asset this season. They also discussed an important question: What will it take for Boston to keep him beyond this season?
As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Kornet’s future with the Celtics remains uncertain. His strong play could attract interest from other teams looking for a reliable backup center, which means Boston may need to make a competitive offer to retain him. Given how valuable he’s been this year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Celtics make an effort to keep him around.
For those interested in hearing the full discussion, you can check out the Celtics Chronicle episode where Taylor and Calabrese break it all down. Kornet may not be the flashiest player, but he’s proving that sometimes, the most important contributions come from the players who do the little things right. And in Boston’s quest for another championship, those little things could make all the difference.
Login