The Boston Celtics entered the 2024 trade deadline with whispers of a blockbuster deal swirling around them. Names like Myles Turner and even a disgruntled Kevin Love were tossed around. Yet, as the clock struck zero, the Celtics stood pat. The reason? A belief that their championship aspirations might lie not with a flashy acquisition, but with the re-signing of an unassuming big man: Luke Kornet.
Kornet, the 7-foot-1 center, didn't exactly light up the stat sheet. His averages of 5.2 points and 3.6 rebounds won't turn heads. But for Celtics fans who watched him blossom after the All-Star break, his value lies far beyond the box score.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report perfectly encapsulated this sentiment: "Kornet played about three more minutes per game than Tillman after the All-Star break and shot the ball much more efficiently (75.6 true shooting percentage to Tillman's 57.9 percent)."
While Xavier Tillman, another potential free agent, brings defensive versatility, Kornet's size and rim protection offer a different kind of advantage. He doesn't rack up steals, but his presence deters opponents from attacking the rim. Opposing guards think twice before driving when a lanky 7-footer with a decent wingspan is patrolling the paint.
This defensive impact is exactly what the Celtics crave. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are already lockdown defenders on the perimeter, but a reliable rim protector would elevate their entire unit. Remember the struggles against Giannis Antetokounmpo in the playoffs? A healthy Timelord, Robert Williams III, addressed that issue, but his injury woes are a constant concern. Kornet isn't Timelord, but he offers a similar defensive presence at a fraction of the injury risk.
But Kornet's value transcends defense. Remember that absurd 75.6% true shooting percentage? That's not a typo. Kornet isn't a high-volume scorer, but when he gets his hands on the ball, good things happen. He can space the floor with a reliable three-point shot, a crucial element in the modern NBA. Opposing defenses can't sag off him, which creates driving lanes for the Celtics' star duo.
Here's the kicker: Kornet is exactly the kind of player the Celtics can afford. With the ever-tightening restrictions of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, star free agents are becoming increasingly out of reach for tax-paying teams like Boston. Even a slightly above-average big man could command a hefty price tag.
Kornet, on the other hand, is a known quantity. The Celtics know what they're getting, and Kornet, who has thrived in their system, is likely willing to take a team-friendly deal to stay put. This allows the Celtics to maintain financial flexibility while addressing a key need.
This isn't to say the Celtics won't pursue other options. Veterans like Andre Drummond might be intriguing possibilities, but their price tag could be prohibitive. The free agency market for big men is a gamble, and Kornet represents a much safer bet.
Head Coach Ime Udoka hinted at this strategy when he recently stated, "We need guys who understand their role and can contribute within the system. We have a core that works, and we need to be smart about adding pieces."
Luke Kornet might not be the flashiest name, but in a league obsessed with stars, his quiet efficiency and system fit make him a far more valuable asset for the Boston Celtics than a risky trade deadline gamble. Don't be surprised if Kornet's jersey ends up hanging alongside the legends in the TD Garden rafters one day, a testament to the fact that sometimes, the biggest impact comes from the most unexpected places.
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