Luke Kornet is an American professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Standing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 250 pounds, Kornet is known for his impressive shot-blocking abilities and three-point shooting proficiency, which is rare for a player of his height.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 15, 1995, in Lexington, Kentucky, Kornet is the son of former Vanderbilt and NBA player Frank Kornet and Nashville television news anchor Tracy Kornet. He has a sister, Nicole, who played basketball at Oklahoma and UCLA. Kornet attended Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, during his high school years.
He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 2013 to 2017. Over his four-year career, he averaged 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. In his senior year, he earned First-Team All-SEC honors and was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive year. Kornet also set the NCAA record for three-pointers made by a player 7 feet tall or taller, with 150.
Professional Career
After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kornet joined the New York Knicks for the 2017 NBA Summer League. He signed a two-way contract with the Knicks in July 2017. Kornet made his NBA debut on February 8, 2018, against the Toronto Raptors, recording 11 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
In July 2019, Kornet signed a two-year, fully guaranteed contract with the Chicago Bulls. He later joined the Boston Celtics in March 2021 as part of a three-team trade. After brief stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks, he returned to the Celtics in February 2022. Kornet was part of the Celtics team that won the NBA Championship in June 2024, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals.
Playing Style
Kornet is recognized for his unique defensive technique known as “The Eclipse.” This method involves jumping with both hands raised directly overhead, aiming to obscure the shooter’s view of the basket and distract them without the risk of making contact and drawing a foul. Opponents have made 5 out of 18 attempts against this technique, resulting in a conversion rate of approximately 28%, which is below the league average of 38% for three-point shots.
Personal Life
Kornet is married to his wife, Tierney, and as of 2022, they have two children. He maintains a blog documenting the various churches he visits during his basketball career, reflecting his Catholic faith.