Luke Kornet just delivered painful reminder of what the Celtics lost

On Wednesday night, Luke Kornet notched a game-winning block for the San Antonio Spurs. With 1.4 seconds left on the clock, Franz Wagner set a screen, saw the Spurs switch, and immediately cut to the basket, beating Julian Champagnie. He pump-faked Champagnie out of his shoes, but just when it looked like he was going to lay the ball to tie the game for the Orlando Magic, Kornet came flying down from the top of the key to send him packing.

It served as the latest in a long line of painful reminders of what the Boston Celtics lost this summer. Kornet inked a four-year deal with the Spurs, departing Boston at a time when they may have needed him most. However, the Celtics prioritized ducking the second apron this summer, and Kornet was simply a financial casualty.

But that doesn’t make the loss any less painful.

Luke Kornet was great for the Celtics

Last season, Kornet emerged as one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and he played crucial minutes for the Celtics. With Kristaps Porzingis dealing with injury issues, and Al Horford skipping out on the second nights of back-to-backs, Kornet stepped up.

His screening, short-roll passing, and rim protection all shined for the Celtics as they waltzed their way to a second straight 60-win season. Unfortunately, their season came to an unexpected end, losing to the New York Knicks in the second round.

But Boston didn’t go out without one final Kornet masterpiece. He posted a 10-point, nine-rebound, seven-block performance in the Celtics’ Game 5 win over New York, which extended the series and came just a couple of nights after Jayson Tatum ruptures his Achilles.

Though the Celtics have had to swallow the rough reality of Kornet’s emergence as an elite backup center in San Antonio, they’ve pieced things  together at the five spot this year.

Celtics have patched things together without Luke Kornet

Neemias Queta has taken over starting center duties, taking a massive leap compared to where he was last season. He’s been one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA, and his work in the pick-and-roll has improved dramatically.

Luke Garza has also given the Celtics solid minutes, especially with his offensive rebounding and scoring. Rookie Amari Williams has even shown flashes of promise in short bursts.

Plus, Josh Minott has recently taken over some duties as a small-ball five, churning out impressive minutes alongside the likes of Jordan Walsh or Hugo Gonzalez.

Yet it’s hard not to picture what this year’s Celtics team could have looked like had they been able to retain Kornet.