Luke Kornet Bio
Luke Francis Kornet is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for Vanderbilt University and is recognized as the all-time leader for blocked shots in the school’s history. Additionally, he holds the NCAA record for three-pointers made by any player seven feet tall or taller. Kornet became an NBA champion upon winning the 2024 NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics. He is known to some Celtics fans by the nickname ‘The Green Kornet’.
Early Life and Background
Luke Kornet was born on July 15, 1995, in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. He grew up in a family with a strong connection to sports; his father, Frank Kornet, was a former Vanderbilt and NBA player, and his mother, Tracy Kornet, is a Nashville television news anchor. Kornet attended Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, where he began to develop his skills in basketball. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his family’s athletic background, played a significant role in shaping his future career.
Path to Basketball
Kornet’s basketball journey continued at Vanderbilt University, where he played from 2013 to 2017. During his college career, he averaged 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.64 blocks over 128 games. His senior year was particularly notable, as he averaged 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.00 blocks, earning him All-SEC and All-SEC Defensive honors. Kornet’s impressive performance established him as a key player for the Commodores, and he became the all-time leader in blocked shots at Vanderbilt with 210 blocks.
Luke Kornet Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kornet joined the New York Knicks for the 2017 NBA Summer League. He signed a two-way contract with the Knicks on July 3, 2017. Kornet made his NBA debut on February 8, 2018, against the Toronto Raptors, where he recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, making him the second Knicks rookie in history to debut with a double-double. He continued to develop his skills with the Knicks, earning a standard contract on July 6, 2018, and recording a career-high six blocks in a game against the Chicago Bulls on April 9, 2019.
Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Kornet signed a fully guaranteed two-year contract with the Chicago Bulls on July 17, 2019. His time with the Bulls allowed him to further showcase his abilities on a larger stage. In March 2021, Kornet was traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade. Although he was waived shortly after re-signing with the Celtics, he continued to work hard and improve his game. Kornet also had a stint with the Maine Celtics, where he averaged 11.9 points and 2.7 blocks per game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kornet’s career took a significant turn when he re-signed with the Boston Celtics in February 2022. The Celtics made it to the NBA Finals that season, where they faced the Golden State Warriors. Although they lost the series, Kornet’s contributions were vital to the team’s success. He became an NBA champion in 2024 when the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, solidifying his place in the league.
Luke Kornet Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Luke Kornet has received several accolades, including being named to the Third-team All-NBA G League in 2018 and earning First-team All-SEC honors in 2017. He was also recognized as a two-time SEC All-Defensive Team member in 2016 and 2017.
Luke Kornet Awards Won
Kornet’s most notable achievement is winning the NBA championship in 2024 with the Boston Celtics. This victory marked a significant milestone in his professional career, showcasing his growth as a player and his contributions to his team’s success.
Luke Kornet Family
Luke Kornet is married to Tierney, and they have two children together. His family background, with both parents being involved in sports and media, has influenced his career and personal life significantly.
Personal Life
Kornet is known for his strong Catholic faith and maintains a blog documenting the churches he visits during his playing career. He is also the brother of Nicole, who played basketball at Oklahoma and UCLA, and has a brother named John. Kornet’s commitment to his family and faith remains an essential aspect of his life as a professional athlete.
