3 Boston Celtics who have stepped up their games in 2022-23
The 22-23 Boston Celtics have been defined by a slew of unexpected contributors who have made this season worth the watch. Many will shine lights on the work Brad Stevens has done assembling this group, or how new coach, Joe Mazzulla has steered the ship to a seamless transition.
The contributions from the Batman and Robin of the team, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, were seen from miles away. Al Horford continues to be a steady force when he plays and ages with grace. Marcus Smart is replicating his Defensive Player of the Year stature of a campaign ago.
Malcolm Brogdon has been an adequately rated addition to the team and has lived up to what he would provide for the Celtic squad on a nightly basis in the form of double-digit scoring, high IQ playmaking, and capable ball handling.
Grant Williams is playing in a contract year and his output comes as no surprise after the leaps he made last year. The improved inside game and uptick in minutes with Rob’s injury play into his performance.
Do not get me wrong, the head coach, the gm, the usual contributors, and the major addition all deserve their flowers, but today, we’re talking about the undervalued parts of the franchise — three players who flew under the radar to start the season but soared past expectations to become household names in the C’s rotation.
One big man used to be more known for his bench celebrations. A combo guard who has changed his shooting stroke and is hitting all marks this season and an undrafted sharpshooter who had an unconventional path to the league.
Here are 3 Boston Celtics who have stepped up their games in 2022-23
No. 1: Luke Kornet
The seven-foot-two center used to be known for his garbage-time performances and over-the-top bench reactions to highlight plays. Luke Kornet is a fifth-year pro who went undrafted in 2018 out of Vanderbilt. In 16 games, he has functioned as the backup five for the Boston Celtics holding averages of 4.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game on a scorching 68% from the field.
When the big man was re-signed this offseason many did not understand why and he is beginning to show why his highlight in practice is only Twitter like from Brad Stevens ever. The ‘Green Kornet’ is incredibly underrated in what he provides for the ball club.
The skilled screen setting frees up space for some of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA to set the nets ablaze. Kornet runs the PNR down to an art form the way he rolls off screens en route to thunderous lob catches. His ability to contest shots by simply jumping due to pure girthy length.
The undrafted big man is very well-liked in the locker room and has become a more than viable solution for the backup Center position. Joe Mazzulla has no choice but to play someone who always functions as a net positive when he’s on the court and is a suitable complement to the Jays.
Some of his top performances of the season include him dropping a season-high 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in the Boston Celtics’ 126-101 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Cornish Hen had a streak of 16 consecutive field goals made in a four-game stretch which took place over the last week.