Luke Kornet

BIOGRAPHY

Born on July 15, 1995, Luke Francis Kornet is a renowned American basketball player who has garnered significant recognition in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Best known for his impressive performances with the Boston Celtics, Kornet’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his commitment, skill, and perseverance.

Kornet’s basketball journey started in college, where he played for Vanderbilt University. During his four-year career, he solidified his legacy as one of the school’s most outstanding players, playing in 128 games and establishing himself as a formidable force on the court. He achieved an average of 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.64 blocks over 24.1 minutes per game. His final year at Vanderbilt was particularly noteworthy, as he elevated his game, averaging 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.00 blocks in 35 starts. This outstanding performance in his senior year earned him both All-SEC and All-SEC defensive honors.

Kornet also etched his name in the history books, breaking records at both university and national levels. He holds the NCAA record for the highest number of three-pointers made by a 7-footer, achieving a remarkable 150 during his college career. Kornet also stands as Vanderbilt’s all-time leading shot blocker with a record of 210 blocks under his name. Most notably, he achieved the second triple-double in Vanderbilt history, with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 blocks, powering the Commodores to a 75–57 victory over Auburn on January 12, 2016.

Despite not being drafted in the 2017 NBA draft, Kornet continued to pursue his dreams, participating in the 2017 NBA Summer League and eventually signing a two-way contract with the New York Knicks. His NBA debut was a moment to remember, as he recorded a double-double against the Toronto Raptors with his proud parents in the audience, scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds. This achievement made him the second Knicks rookie to debut with a double-double. Kornet also made NBA history as the first player to sink three three-pointers and block four shots in his debut game.

In July 2018, Kornet upgraded to a standard contract with the Knicks. The following year saw him recording a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high six blocks, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ 96–86 win over the Chicago Bulls.

Kornet’s professional career then led him to the Chicago Bulls, where he signed a fully guaranteed two-year contract in 2019. However, it wasn’t long until he found himself trading to the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal. While initial stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Maine Celtics followed, Kornet ultimately returned to the Boston Celtics in February 2022. Despite suffering a loss in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors, Kornet continued to impress with his performances.

Off the court, Kornet is equally exceptional. He is the son of Frank Kornet, a former Vanderbilt and NBA player, and Tracy Kornet, a Nashville television news anchor. He possesses deep familial connections to basketball, with his sister Nicole playing basketball at Oklahoma and UCLA, and a brother named John. Kornet is deeply religious, being a devout Catholic and maintaining a blog about his visits to churches during his playing career. He is married to his wife, Tierney, and the couple has two children together.

Celebrated for his achievements in college and professional basketball, Luke Kornet’s resilience has seen him break records and capture the admiration of fans and teammates alike. As his career progresses, his commitment to mastering his craft remains unwavering, promising even more exceptional performances to come.