San Antonio center Luke Kornet faces his former club at TD Garden on Monday, less than a year after the Boston Celtics’ salary-cap constraints prevented them from re-signing him.
The 28-year-old accepted a four-year, $41 million offer from the Spurs in July, a deal Boston could not match while attempting to stay below the NBA’s second apron. Speaking before the game, Kornet said his choice “came down to San Antonio and Boston,” adding that extensive talks with his wife and “a lot of prayers” guided the decision. “It was very difficult to leave,” he noted, “but we felt it was time to take that step and see where it led us.”
The move has paid off. Kornet has started 21 of his 29 appearances, producing career-best averages of 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds while filling minutes during Victor Wembanyama’s injury-related absences. Celtics guard Payton Pritchard called him “a great teammate and leader” who “got tremendously better” during his Boston tenure.
Hauser’s Starting Role Paused by Injury
Forward Sam Hauser, inserted into Boston’s first five for the past four contests, will sit out Monday because of hamstring tightness. The sharpshooter poured in 19 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting in Friday’s win over Toronto, but head coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted his work on the other end, saying Hauser’s defense on RJ Barrett was “top-notch.”
Simons Producing Amid Trade Buzz
Anfernee Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract has fueled speculation ahead of next month’s trade deadline, yet his recent play could convince Boston to keep him. The reserve guard has reached double figures in seven straight games and is averaging 17.8 points in January while shooting 54 percent overall and 60 percent from deep. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year,” Simons said. “It’s part of the NBA. You just have to stay present.”
Brown Adjusts to Defensive Attention
Opponents have varied their coverages on Jaylen Brown since his 50-point eruption last week, attempting to exploit long-criticized ball-handling and playmaking weaknesses. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles issue, Brown has embraced the extra focus, stating he must “read the game, trust and empower my teammates,” while reminding himself he is “still learning.”
The Celtics enter Monday’s matchup 5-2 since Tatum’s injury, navigating roster tweaks and trade chatter as the season’s midpoint approaches.
Source: Hoops Rumors
