Latest news with #LukeKornet
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Do the Boston Celtics have a front court problem?
After losing Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis and potentially Al Horford this summer, the Boston Celtics front court has suffered a significant talent drain. Brad Stevens has tried to stem some of the bleeding by bringing in Luka Garza in free agency, although there's currently no guarantee he will successfully plug some of the gap left behind. Overall, the Celtics front-court rotation looks like the biggest weak point in the team's roster construction. Without Jayson Tatum, who is currently out with an Achilles tendon injury, the Celtics lack high-level talent and reliable depth at the four and the five. During a recent appearance on "98.5 The Sports Hub," The Athletic's Jay King sounded the alarm over Boston's limited front-court depth, noting that it has the potential to be "really bad." Of course, with months left until the start of the new NBA season, things could look different by opening night. Nevertheless, as currently constructed, the Celtics can't be expected to make a deep postseason run unless Mazzulla finds a way of getting the best out of his makeshift roster. You can watch the full podcast episode by clicking on the embedded video above. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grading Luke Kornet's $41 million Spurs contract
The post Grading Luke Kornet's $41 million Spurs contract appeared first on ClutchPoints. The San Antonio Spurs started NBA Free Agency by addressing the team's biggest singular need. Shortly after the league lifted the offseason moratorium, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Silver and Black had agreed to terms with Luke Kornet. The Spurs are coming off the heels of 34-48 and 22-60 seasons. So while they have several needs, there is none bigger than another quality big man to pair with and/or spell center Victor Wembanyama. At the end of last season – without Wemby because of injury – the Spurs were starting 6-foot-8 Bismack Biyombo at center. The only other 'big' who was part of the rotation by then was Sandro Mamukelashvili, who stands 6-foot-9, but prefers to play at the perimeter. Charles Bassey, who's played sparingly for the better part of the last two years while batting injuries, was also on the roster at year's end. The team traded Zach Collins in the deal for De'Aaron Fox in February. By those standards, Kornet represents an upgrade. To what extent is the question. Luke Kornet's path to the Spurs Kornet is coming off the most well-rounded season of his career. In playing 73 games for a defending champion Boston Celtics squad that was again one of the best in the league, the former Vanderbilt Commodore averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.6 assists per contest. His rebound and assist numbers marked career highs while the 6.0 ppg were just a point below his second year when he suited up for the New York Knicks. Set to enter his ninth NBA season, Kornet joined New York as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Following a two-year stint that included a two-way contract, the 7-foot-1 center signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2019. After a 2021 trade sent him to the Celtics, Kornet spent the '21-'22 campaign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and back in Boston. Since then, the Lexington, Kentucky, native has developed into a solid big man. He appeared in 76 games total (including 13 in the playoffs), averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in the regular season, to help the Celtics win the NBA championship in 2023-'24. Grading the Spurs' Luke Kornet signing What does the Celtics best player think of Kornet's deal with the Spurs? 'Much deserved,' Jayson Tatum posted on Instagram. Kornet, who played his high school ball in the Texas town of Argyle, returned to Boston last offseason despite other contract offers. With the Spurs deal comes the ability to rebound (especially offensively) and set screens. He's a smart player who reads offensive and defensive assignments and can start the break. While there's early thought that the Spurs will continue to start Wembanyama at center and, thus, bring Kornet off the bench, Kornet could also play well with Wemby given their contrasting skill sets. At four years for $41 million, it appears to be a reasonable contract that the Spurs could easily afford given their salary cap position. It's not the splash that other moves have been, but it could prove an effective one for San Antonio, especially given what they've lacked. Grade: B Related: Carter Bryant's Spurs contract creates first 'crazy' NBA moment Related: Dylan Harper's 'surreal' NBA journey begins with Spurs rookie contract
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs adds former Celtics champion next to Victor Wembanyama in free agency
The post Spurs adds former Celtics champion next to Victor Wembanyama in free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints. On the first night of free agency, the San Antonio Spurs wasted no time making headlines. Free agent center Luke Kornet has agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The move immediately reshapes San Antonio's rotation and signals that the front office is determined to build a stronger supporting cast around Victor Wembanyama. Kornet is coming off a season with the Boston Celtics, where he carved out an essential role as a dependable backup center. While he rarely drew big headlines, his impact was undeniable. In the 2024-2025 season, he averaged a career-high six points, over five rebounds, and a block in just under 19 minutes per game. Advertisement His steady rim protection, smart positioning, and ability to finish around the basket made him a critical piece of the Celtics' frontcourt. What makes this signing especially interesting is how Kornet can complement Wembanyama. The Spurs have searched for a reliable big who can hold down the paint when Wemby slides to the perimeter or sits. Last season, San Antonio often struggled to protect the rim consistently, and Kornet's presence gives them a stabilizing force inside. An 8-year veteran, he also brings a leading presence to a young locker room that is still learning to win consistently. The 29-year-old's arrival means San Antonio can experiment with bigger lineups without sacrificing mobility. Wembanyama's versatility allows him to operate anywhere on the floor, and Kornet can handle more traditional center duties. This could unlock more creative combinations for head coach Mitch Johnson, who now has another dependable option when matchups get physical. Advertisement Beyond the on-court fit, Kornet brings championship experience that the Spurs sorely need. He was part of Boston's title-winning squad in 2024 and played real minutes during their playoff run. While he was never the first option, he embraced his role, stayed ready, and contributed whenever his number was called. Those qualities matter for a team like San Antonio, which is trying to teach a young core how to compete at the highest level. For Kornet, the move is also a chance to step into a larger role. In Boston, he was surrounded by stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, which meant his contributions often flew under the radar. In San Antonio, he will have the opportunity to mentor younger teammates and possibly play more minutes as the Spurs look to climb back into the Western Conference playoff picture. While the signing is great news for San Antonio, it leaves Boston with a notable hole in the rotation. The Celtics relied on Kornet's size and experience to spell their starters and provide reliable rim protection. With Al Horford aging and Kristaps Porzingis gone, Boston suddenly looks thinner in the frontcourt. Advertisement The Celtics have already signed Luka Garza to a two-year, $5.5 million deal, hoping he can bring scoring and toughness inside. However, it remains to be seen whether Garza can consistently deliver the same level of defense and chemistry Kornet offered. Boston will likely count on Garza to play a larger role while also giving younger players like Neemias Queta an opportunity to earn minutes. Meanwhile, Spurs fans have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic. Kornet is not just a depth piece, he is an example of how a smart signing can make life easier for a franchise player. Wembanyama is expected to continue evolving into a superstar, and having a reliable veteran who can protect the rim and steady the defense will help him focus on expanding his game. With the Vanderbilt product now in the fold, the Spurs have taken an important step toward building a balanced roster. The combination of young talent and seasoned leadership gives San Antonio a stronger foundation as they look to return to postseason contention. Advertisement Related: Luke Kornet, Luka Garza moves highlight Celtics' new cap reality Related: Ranking 4 best Deandre Ayton free agency destinations after Blazers buyout
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luke Kornet reveals how he can fit with Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper
The post Luke Kornet reveals how he can fit with Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper appeared first on ClutchPoints. A week into the start of NBA free agency and with the moratorium lifted, the San Antonio Spurs signed their only non-draft addition to this point. And Luke Kornet is wasting no time thinking about what could be. Advertisement In his introduction to the San Antonio media, the eight-year veteran rattled off the Spurs key players, noting how he can fit alongside Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. 'I think it's pretty exciting because I feel like, obviously, Victor's got great skills. Then De'Aaron, Stephon and getting (Spurs drafting) Dylan Harper. So, I feel like there's a good mix.' Luke Kornet details his fit in with the Spurs A 7-footer, Kornet described how effective he can be with Wemby, whom the Spurs have spent the last two years building around. 'Obviously, Victor's talented where I feel like we could be able to play together. I did that some with Kristaps Porzingis in Boston in the past year and Al Horford,' the former Boston Celtic said. 'I feel like having a lot of experience with that both defensively and offensively and how to be able to play.' Advertisement Kornet spent the last three-plus seasons with the Celtics, which proved a second stint in Boston. In that time, he became a vital part of a team that won the 2024 NBA championship led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. It serves as another experience Kornet can take with him to the Alamo City. 'Being able to be a good pick and roll partner with a lot of the downhill guards,' the Vanderbilt graduate said before pivoting to his other skills. 'I feel like, for me, the keys to my game, especially now, are just protecting the rim, which I feel me and Victor could be, obviously, really competent together, especially when he's off the floor, being able to provide that.' The Spurs have lacked a quality big man to pair next to Wembayama since they took him with the top overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. San Antonio started Zach Collins next to Wemby early in the French phenom's rookie season, but as Wembanyama's game evolved, so did his team's lineups. Charles Bassey, Bismack Biyombo and Sandro Mamukelashvili have taken turns trying spell the Spurs star player through Rookie of the Year and All-Star seasons. Advertisement 'Offensive rebounds also become a big part of just being able to add possession,' Kornet added on how else he can help fill the void. 'So, a fun part about it is that it's going to look different than what it has a year before me. Every single year of playing is kind of like a new situation of figuring out how to best play,' the Lexington, Kentucky native who played his high school ball in Texas continued. 'I'm looking forward to figuring out the optimal way with this group and with how Mitch [Spurs Coach Mitch Johnson] wants us to play, just start integrating that and finding out what those best answers are.' The Spurs think they've found at least one answer on their end. Advertisement Related: Spurs' Luke Kornet reveals Tim Duncan reason behind No. 7 jersey number Related: Why recent Spurs draft pick isn't interested in a Summer League break out
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs' Luke Kornet reveals Tim Duncan reason behind No. 7 jersey number
The post Spurs' Luke Kornet reveals Tim Duncan reason behind No. 7 jersey number appeared first on ClutchPoints. Luke Kornet moves on from the Boston Celtics as he begins the next chapter of his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs. And he has a Tim Duncan reason behind the decision of his jersey number. Advertisement Kornet signed with the Spurs this offseason, leaving the Celtics after four consecutive seasons. He played a solid role off the bench as he helped the team win the 2024 NBA championship. Kornet wore the No. 40 jersey with Boston, but with San Antonio, he will don the No. 7 jersey. He explained how Duncan played a role behind the jersey number during his introductory press conference on Monday. 'I just hope to be a third of the player that Tim Duncan was,' Kornet said. What's next for Luke Kornet, Spurs Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Luke Kornet is excited to be a member of the Spurs, especially after landing the biggest contract of his career. Advertisement He deserved the contract, too. Kornet proved himself to be a solid rotational piece for the Celtics, providing remarkable efficiency inside the paint while being an effective shot-blocker. Throughout the 235 total appearances he made with Boston, he averaged 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He shot 65.4% from the field and 77.4% from the free-throw line. The Spurs certainly view him to assist Victor Wembanyama and the squad to improve their talent on both sides of the ball. San Antonio begins a new era as head coach Gregg Popovich retired from coaching as he embraced a front office role. In other words, Mitch Johnson will be responsible for navigating the Spurs through the Wembanyama era as they look to make the playoffs. They haven't done that since the 2019 postseason, which they aspire to achieve as they boast plenty of young talents on the roster for next season. Advertisement Related: Luke Kornet reveals how he can fit with Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper Related: Why recent Spurs draft pick isn't interested in a Summer League break out
