Luke Kornet Set to Start for Celtics, Eyes Increased Minutes Amidst Porzingis' Recovery

Luke Kornet is slated to start Sunday's game against the Kings, with expectations of increased playing time early in the 2024-25 season as Kristaps Porzingis recovers from foot surgery. The 29-year-old center, who averaged 15.6 minutes in Boston's championship season, could also see occasional starts due to Al Horford's age and back-to-back limitations, potentially over Xavier Tillman. Kornet, returning for his fourth season with Boston, provides affordable depth as the third center behind Horford and Porzingis. Last season (2022-23), he averaged 5.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks, achieving career-highs in blocks (46) and rebounds (197). While once a floor-spacer, he has attempted only 19 three-pointers in the past three seasons. His career trajectory has trended downwards since 2018-19, making him suitable for only the deepest fantasy rosters. Historically, Kornet went undrafted, playing for the Knicks and Bulls, showing flashes of three-point shooting and improved stats during starts earlier in his career.