Luke Kornet started again on Saturday for the first of back-to-back games against the 76ers and Raptors at home, his third straight this preseason. After two strong showings in a starting role in Abu Dhabi, Kornet erupted for 11 points in the first six minutes against Guerschon Yabusele and a cast of 76ers bench players who started while Philadelphia’s veterans rested on the second half of a back-to-back. Al Horford, who hasn’t played yet this preseason, sat again while the Celtics’ four other starters played and logged significant minutes.
Kornet receiving more reps with the starting unit’s regular contributors added to a growing question over whether Kornet could become the Celtics’ starting center, at least sometimes, while Kristaps Porziņģis is out to begin the year. Joe Mazzulla didn’t rule out that possibility when asked earlier this week, though Kornet, speaking with CLNS Media in the locker room before Saturday’s game, said he and Mazzulla haven’t had a conversation about him starting.
“I feel like it’s business as usual for us,” Kornet said. “Joe and the staff trust me to know that I’ll fill whatever needs to be done … that’s the identity we have and I feel like that goes for every person on the team, top to bottom. Being ready to step in and help the team win is what the focus always is. Whatever that dictates at different parts of the year. I think we showed it last year, different nights of me or Neemy or Xavier, whatever the lineups are … we have a mindset of winning the game no matter who’s available.”
Kornet finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal in Saturday’s win. He grabbed five offensive rebounds and the Celtics won his minutes by 10 points. Xavier Tillman Sr. made all three shots from deep that he attempted in relief for Kornet, while Neemias Queta scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting with four rebounds and two assists.
The Celtics will inevitably utilize all their big men in different circumstances with Porziņģis out, but utilizing Kornet as the starter would be the easiest way to pair Horford and Tillman together. They played productive minutes together after Tillman’s arrival from Memphis at the deadline. Horford will sit three back-to-backs through November, with two more coming in early December before Porziņģis’ expected return.
“To be able to play with four of the other starters, it was good getting back to playing, find some rhythm,” Kornet said of playing with the starters. “I’ve been in that spot here and there over the years, but playing with them over time, you understand the strengths that you have. I also think the way Denver plays, putting two on the ball, that opens up a lot of opportunities with me connecting with guys. A lot of it is playing, you have a connection mentally with our team and what we’re trying to do.”
