Joe Mazzulla on Luke Kornet in the starting lineup: ‘I definitely think it’s something’

Final season, the Boston Celtics discovered a ton of success enjoying large. The mixture of Al Horford and Robert Williams within the frontcourt allowed them to stay versatile on offense whereas additionally creating one of the crucial dominant defensive lineups within the NBA.

In truth, the five-man beginning lineup of Marcus Sensible, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Horford, and Williams had the perfect defensive score within the NBA amongst all five-man teams with not less than 200 minutes performed. The Celtics discovered a system that labored they usually caught to it.

Nevertheless, Boston hit a slight fork within the street this 12 months, because the group introduced that Robert Williams underwent arthroscopic knee surgical procedure and can miss roughly 8-12 weeks. That timetable signifies that Williams probably gained’t go well with up till December or early in 2023.

However in keeping with interim head coach Joe Mazzulla, that gained’t essentially cease them from enjoying large. On the Celtics’ first coaching camp session, large man Luke Kornet was seen playing with the starters alongside Horford. When requested about it, Mazzulla mentioned that it might be one thing to be careful for.

“That was our id final 12 months, was attempting to play large. And like I mentioned earlier than, we’re attempting to determine our id on the defensive finish, and conserving it as constant as we are able to is essential, so I undoubtedly suppose it’s one thing.”

Kornet re-signed with the Celtics this summer time on {a partially} assured, two-year contract. He initially joined the Celtics in the course of the 2020-21 season as part of the Daniel Theis trade, however he wasn’t introduced again to the primary roster till this previous 12 months.

The 7’2 large man appeared in video games for 3 groups final season – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Celtics, however Boston finally inked him to a typical contract after some roster spots opened up after the commerce deadline.

Bobby Manning of CLNS Media and CelticsBlog requested Mazzulla what he likes about Kornet in that spot, and Boston’s coach mentioned that “he’s sensible, he is aware of the best way to play, nice screener, [and a] good rebounder.”

When the Celtics traded Theis within the deal for Malcolm Brogdon this summer time, it was clear that Kornet would have further duties this season. However with Williams out, his tasks might be taken to an entire new stage. At Celtics Media Day, Kornet was asked about what his potential position this 12 months, and whereas he didn’t present a precise reply to the query, he mentioned that he’ll be prepared for something.

“I imply, I undoubtedly notice there’s undoubtedly a fantastic probability of being a extra concerned member, by way of being on the court docket. I’m truthfully simply, I feel it’s form of the identical factor I’ve all the time achieved, it’s simply being prepared for no matter position I’m given. Via my expertise in my profession, even sport to sport it might go from zero minutes, to 25, to 10, to 30, to zero. So it’s like, to be prepared for all that.”

Within the 30 complete video games Kornet has appeared in with the Celtics over the course of the previous two seasons, he’s averaged simply 11.3 minutes per contest. His averages sit at simply 3.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks when in a Boston uniform.

Kornet additionally spoke about how he’s been in a position to be taught in regards to the group extra since becoming a member of the Celtics, and he understands the best way to play his sport to go with everybody else.

“I’ve had numerous time of having the ability to be round these guys now in comparison with once I first got here right here. I really feel like I’ve much more understanding of fellows’ video games and the way I can form of play mine to have the ability to assist them.”

All through his time with the Celtics, Kornet has solely performed 15 or extra minutes in 10 video games and 20 or extra minutes in two video games. That being mentioned, the group has proven a ton of confidence in his means to play the position he’s anticipated to step into. Brad Stevens has given Kornet his vote of confidence (via his words and a telling Twitter “like”), and now Mazzulla has echoed these sentiments.

Seeing Kornet play big-time minutes and probably begin isn’t what most individuals anticipated when Boston constructed their present roster, however each he and the group are prepared for him to step up when he must.