Luke Kornet once had a reputation for shooting from long range, but his time with the Boston Celtics has been mostly devoid of three-pointers.
That could change with starting center Kristaps Porzingis expected to miss the first few months of the 2024-25 season.
Boston will need to adapt to Porzingis’ absence. His combination of size and shooting range was crucial to the Celtics’ success during their championship run. While Al Horford can provide some of that skill set, the team will need to manage his minutes carefully to keep the 38-year-old fresh for the playoffs.
Neemias Queta offers athleticism, and Xavier Tillman Sr. is a solid defender. However, Kornet may be the closest fit to Porzingis’ skill set. Early in his career, Kornet was known for his frequent three-point shooting. During his first four seasons, the 7’1″ center consistently ranked in the 90th percentile or higher for non-corner three-point attempts.
Fans might remember him launching shots from above the break with the Knicks and Bulls between 2017-18 and 2020-21.
The Celtics should explore whether Kornet’s long-range shooting is still a viable weapon.
