Brad Stevens Shares His Perspective on Celtics Re-Signing Luke Kornet

Jesse Cinquini | Jul 3, 2024

Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) shoots past Atlanta Hawks guard Wesley Matthews (32) and forward Bruno Fernando (24) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Last Sunday, the Boston Celtics kicked off NBA free agency by inking center Luke Kornet to a one-year deal worth approximately $2.1 million.

Kornet, a seven-year NBA veteran, shores up the Celtics’ big man depth, and head coach Joe Mazzulla could turn to him quite a bit in the 2024-25 regular season, especially during the early part of it. 

After all, Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss the start of next season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon. Those injuries and a soleus strain in his right calf kept him sidelined for the lion’s share of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Plus, Al Horford isn’t getting any younger. The 17-year veteran is 38 and already has a ton of miles on him, so fans of the team should expect him to continue sitting out one half of Boston's back-to-backs during the 82-game slate.

In the Celtics' press release announcing the re-signing of Kornet, president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, noted how important he has been to the squad’s success in recent years.

“Luke has been an integral part of our team over the past few years,” said Brad Stevens. “He is the ultimate teammate and his attitude and spirit have a contagious effect on our team. On the court, Luke had his best season as a Celtic and played a big role in helping us win. We are excited about the impact he’ll have moving forward.”

Kornet appeared in 63 of Boston’s 82 games during the 2023-24 regular season and averaged 5.3 points per game on 70.0 percent shooting from the floor as well as 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 block.

The Celtics are one of five NBA teams — along with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks — that Kornet has played for since kicking off his pro career in the 2017-18 campaign.

Further Reading

Celtics, Jayson Tatum Agree to Most Lucrative Deal in NBA History

Celtics' Ownership Group Announces Plan to Sell the Franchise

Derrick White, Essential to Celtics' Dynasty Hopes, Signs 4-Year Extension

Celtics Work Quickly to Re-Sign Luke Kornet

Brad Stevens Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Draft Picks

Baylor Scheierman Shares Celtics' Feedback Before Drafting Him

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Jaylen Brown Caps Career Year with NBA Finals MVP: 'Can't Even Put it into Words'