Former Boston Celtics Center Explains Why He Left for the San Antonio Spurs

Former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet recently explained why he left for the San Antonio Spurs. Here’s what Kornet, 30, has said in recent days and how it has affected his NBA career.

Former Celtics Center Explains Why He Left for the San Antonio Spurs

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens made it clear this offseason that the team wanted to bring back Luke Kornet into the fold. Kornet saw his role grow in both of his seasons in Boston, Massachusetts, becoming a significant part of the team’s big-man rotation last season.

The Celtics were one of several suitors to woo Kornet, but the financial realities of the team staying under the second apron limited their ability to offer the 30-year-old, who ultimately decided to sign with the San Antonio Spurs on a four-year, $41 million contract.

The Lexington, Kentucky, native recently spoke to reporters about how tough it was to decide to leave Boston and join the Spurs during the Spurs’ shootaround on Saturday. He said, “It was ultimately between San Antonio and Boston. I had a lot of conversations with my wife, said a lot of prayers, and had conversations about where we are in life.”

“It was very, very difficult to leave, and we had a lot of relationships (here). We were in a different part of life and kind of being open to wherever God kind of willed us and see where it took us. You sort of accept it and take that step forward and figure it out from there.”

Former Celtics Center’s Outlook

Luke Kornet’s outlook appears to be just fine. Kornet is averaging 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 66.2% from the field goal line and 88.3% from the free throw line this season. Kornet’s top qualities include his basketball IQ, rim protection, defensive intelligence, offensive game, and scoring efficiency.

Kornet was in town this week to watch his former team, the Celtics, welcome the Toronto Raptors to TD Garden on Friday night. Boston defeated Toronto 125-117. Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 27 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Ja’Kobe Walter led the Raptors with 19 points, six rebounds, and one assist.

Kornet was welcomed with open arms by the Celtics organization. Jayson Tatum greeted him with a bear hug, while co-owner Wyc Grousbeck caught up with him during the game as he sat courtside.

Several Celtics players spoke fondly of Kornet on Friday night ahead of the Celtics’ matchup with the Spurs on Saturday night. The Spurs defeated the Celtics 100-95. De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Derrick White led the Celtics with 29 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Pritchard, 27, said of Kornet, “Just a great teammate, honestly, is a great leader, and got tremendously better over his time here.”

Next Steps

The Celtics dropped a 100-95 decision to the Spurs on Saturday. However, Luke Kornet’s departure has helped both sides. Kornet is posting career-highs this season, averaging 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while serving as a starter in 21 of his last 29 games. 
Boston’s replacements for Kornet fared well this season.

Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have been providing a 1-2 punch at the center position the past few weeks. Boston is still looking for more help at center, but for the time being, Queta, 26, can pick up where Kornet left off. Queta’s quick adaptation has been paying off so far, as the Utah State basketball alum never served as a regular starter for his previous team, the Sacramento Kings, from 2021 to 2023.