Via trade or release, struggling Boston Celtics second unit big may not be long for franchise
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The Boston Celtics are having a fantastic start to the season -- but while there are many positives, there are some negatives as well.
One of the biggest negatives is the C's lack of size. Backup center Luke Kornet was expected to step up and play a big role for the team and that has not been the case. Many are starting to notice his lack of production and how it can hold the team back. While his 4.7 points per game and 3.6 rebounds -- not to mention his famed "Kornet Kontest" -- seem solid on the surface, his presence on the floor is a known negative at this point.
NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg stated that Kornet has been a true negative when he is on the court, making them the worse defensive rebounding team.
“The Celtics’ lack of pure size is well-documented," Forsberg prefaced before saying, "The team is leaning heavy on 37-year-old Al Horford and the oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis. That has thrust Luke Kornet into a hefty role, and Boston’s defensive rebound rate is a team-worst 69.6 when he’s on the court.
"We’ve long suspected the Celtics will examine options to add big-man depth before the trade deadline, if only to help ease the burden on their centers during the regular season. Kornet has had encouraging moments but second-chance opportunities have felt like back-breakers at times this season -- particularly when opponents are chipping away at runs.”
Boston Celtics could cut ties with Luke Kornet by the trade deadline without improvement
A lot of the struggles for the Boston Celtics do need to be addressed by the trade deadline, and if Kornet does not make a big leap it will be very likely that he ends up getting traded out of Boston or just getting let go outright.
Boston needs way more help at the position if they want to be serious Championship contenders and they cannot have a roster spot being used on someone that does not give them the lift that they need.
If the Cs do cut ties with Kornet we will wish him the best for whatever he does next, but in the business of basketball you have to make tough moves to see the results that you want.