Luke Kornet Emerges as Key Player for Boston Celtics: Could He Become the New Starting Center?

Luke Kornet, the versatile 7-foot center for the Boston Celtics, has been making significant waves in the NBA, particularly during the recent preseason games. Known for his unique defensive technique, “The Eclipse,” and his all-around skills, Kornet has impressed Coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics’ coaching staff.

Kornet’s college career at Vanderbilt University was marked by impressive statistics, including being the NCAA all-time leader for three-pointers made by any player seven feet tall or taller and the Commodores’ all-time leading shot blocker with 210 blocks. He transitioned to the NBA, playing for several teams including the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks before finding a stable role with the Boston Celtics.

Recently, Kornet’s performance in the preseason has sparked discussions about his potential to become the starting center for the Celtics. With Kristaps Porzingis recovering from offseason surgery, Coach Mazzulla has hinted at adjusting the starting lineup to benefit the team’s competitiveness. This could see Kornet stepping into the starting five, with Al Horford shifting to a bench role to preserve his health and manage his playing time.

Kornet’s value to the team lies in his ability to move, set screens, and create plays in short-roll situations, which aligns well with the Celtics’ five-out offensive strategy. His unorthodox defensive method, “The Eclipse,” has also shown promising results, with opposing shooters converting at a rate well below the league average.

Following their 2024 NBA Finals victory, Kornet re-signed with the Celtics, solidifying his position within the team. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Kornet will take on a more prominent role as the starting center for the Boston Celtics.