Celtics center Luke Kornet has been out because of an ankle injury but could see action in Boston’s final preseason game Friday. Charles Krupa/Associated Press
Might Luke Kornet return for the Celtics’ preseason finale against the Raptors this Friday?
It’s a possibility, and that might not have been the case 10 days ago. Kornet – who suffered a left ankle sprain during a practice at the start of training camp – was a full participant during Monday’s practice, moving around well in drills and leaving his teammates optimistic about the progress he’s made.
“We’re encouraged to see how he’s already on the floor with us,” Al Horford said. “We thought it was going to be a little longer so we’re happy to have him back and running.”
Does that mean he could potentially play minutes with the starters on Friday, the Celtics’ final tune-up before next Tuesday’s season opener? Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t want to get ahead of himself just yet.
“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Mazzulla said. “Just seeing how we can get better tomorrow, seeing where we’re at. I thought today was a good day, And depending on how tomorrow goes, we’ll kind of decide what we want to do there.”
Kornet said he injured his ankle when he was contesting a shot, landed awkwardly and rolled it. But the 7-foot-2 center has made a fast recovery and feels encouraged about where he is.
“It’s definitely gotten better,” Kornet said. “I feel like in the last several days, it’s kind of turned the page from just being in a more sensitive phase to feeling more mobile, more strong and just getting my leg back in shape. So it’s good.”
Kornet is expected to be an integral part of the Celtics’ front-court rotation as they look to fill the void left by Robert Williams III, who’s recovering from left knee surgery. Kornet’s availability to start the season is obviously in some question after the injury set him back, which makes Friday’s preseason game a good barometer for his progress.
“I’m building back up conditioning and all that kind of stuff with it,” Kornet said. “So yeah, I’m building into being game ready and stuff like that. So we’re just getting back on the court, getting into drills. It feels like my first time doing live playing and contact and stuff, so kind of just trying to build that up now.”
WHEN THE CELTICS returned to Boston for training camp two weeks ago, it was like they never left.
That’s shown up on the court through three preseason games, as the Celtics’ regulars have picked up where they left off from last season’s NBA Finals run and looked impressive. That comes, in part, from the advanced chemistry the team has fostered since they hit their second-half stride last year. With the same roster back this season, that chemistry has only continued in camp. Even the season-long suspension of Coach Ime Udoka has done nothing to interrupt it.
“I felt like once we kind of gelled together midway through last year, it kind of carried over and when we got back this season, it’s kind of like buddies, like you’re back to school,” Horford said.
Off the court, the Celtics have made it a point to spend time with each other. They had a team dinner last Thursday night in Greensboro, and a group of players attended the Clemson-Boston College football game on Saturday. Horford said there’s been more of that happening.
“I just feel it’s because of how tight we got last year,” Horford said. “It’s kind of carried over and we’re just really trying to embrace one another and get ready for what’s coming.”
One of those they’ve succeeded in embracing is Blake Griffin, who just signed with the Celtics a week ago but is proving to be a perfect fit. The veteran forward has emphasized how welcomed he’s felt, and his new teammates already love having him around.
“He’s a great guy to have around, has a lot of perspective about the game,” Horford said. “It’s just been nice to have him around. He’s a vet that gets it. He wants to be part of winning, he wants to do big things. He’s fit right in quickly. He’s one of us already.”
GRANT WILLIAMS has added to his game, and he’s leaving his teammates a little bit surprised in the process.
Williams’ 3-point shooting took a big step last season, and if this preseason is any indication, it looks he may take similar strides this season with his face-up and off-the-dribble moves. He’s made several impressive plays through three games, but one that has stood out was in last Wednesday’s game against the Raptors, when he made a hesitation move on a defender in transition and laid it in.
“He’s been working this summer and that move just kind of got us all in awe,” Horford said. “Especially the finish, too, because he went inside hand with the left so the defender wouldn’t get there to block it, so he’s thinking the game. Grant’s a very smart player. He continues to just grow and learn. But it’s pretty cool to see him. You can tell he’s been working, and he wants to show it. He wants to show different things and it’s good to see that.”
Horford laughed when he was asked if he’s helped Williams with any of those moves.
“Nah, no, not really,” Horford said. “He’s doing his own thing, he’s working hard, and he’s looking good out there.”
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