Might Luke Kornet return for the Celtics’ preseason finale in opposition to the Raptors this Friday?
It’s a risk, and which may not have been the case 10 days in the past. Kornet – who suffered a left ankle sprain throughout a follow at first of coaching camp – was a full participant throughout Monday’s follow, shifting round effectively in drills and leaving his teammates optimistic in regards to the progress he’s made.
“We’re encouraged to see how he’s already on the floor with us,” Al Horford mentioned. “We thought it was going to be a little longer so we’re happy to have him back and running.”
Does that imply he might doubtlessly play minutes with the starters on Friday, the Celtics’ ultimate tune-up earlier than subsequent Tuesday’s season opener? Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t need to get forward of himself simply but.
“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Mazzulla mentioned. “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 mentioned he injured his ankle when he was contesting a shot, landed awkwardly and rolled it. But the 7-foot-2 middle has made a quick restoration and feels inspired about the place he’s.
“It’s definitely gotten better,” Kornet mentioned. “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 anticipated to be an integral a part of the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation as they appear to fill the void left by Rob Williams, who’s out recovering from left knee surgical procedure to start the season. Kornet’s availability to begin the season is clearly in some query after the harm set him again, which makes Friday’s preseason recreation as a superb barometer for his progress.
“I’m building back up conditioning and all that kind of stuff with it,” Kornet mentioned. “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.”
C’s go ‘back to school’
When the Celtics returned to Boston for coaching camp two weeks in the past, it was like they by no means left.
That’s proven up on the courtroom via three preseason video games, because the Celtics’ regulars have picked up the place they left off from final season’s NBA Finals run and appeared spectacular. That comes, partially, from the superior chemistry the staff has fostered since they hit their second-half stride final 12 months. With the identical roster again this season, that chemistry has solely continued in camp. Even the season-long suspension of coach Ime Udoka has accomplished 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 mentioned.
Off the courtroom, the C’s have made it some extent to spend time with one another. They had a staff dinner final Thursday night time in Greensboro, and a gaggle of gamers attended the Clemson-Boston College soccer recreation on Saturday. Horford mentioned there’s been extra of that taking place.
“I just feel it’s because of how tight we got last year,” Horford mentioned. “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 these they’ve succeeded in embracing is Blake Griffin, who simply signed with the Celtics per week in the past however is proving to be an ideal match. The veteran ahead has emphasised how welcomed he’s felt, and his new teammates already love having him round.
“He’s a great guy to have around, has a lot of perspective about the game,” Horford mentioned. “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 making extra strides
Grant Williams has added to his recreation, and he’s leaving his teammates slightly bit stunned within the course of.
Williams’ 3-point capturing took an enormous step final season, and if this preseason is any indication, it seems to be he could take related strides this season along with his face-up and off-the-dribble strikes. He’s made a number of spectacular performs via three video games, however one which has stood out was in final Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Raptors, when he made a hesitation transfer 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 mentioned. “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 requested if he’s helped Williams with any of these strikes.
“Nah, no, not really,” Horford mentioned. “He’s doing his own thing, he’s working hard, and he’s looking good out there.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com
