Why the Celtics re-signing Luke Kornet is a bigger deal than you may think

NBA free agency is officially underway, and the Celtics were the first team to make a move, bringing back center Luke Kornet on a one-year deal.

The terms of the deal were not announced. However, the Celtics have Kornet's Bird Rights, meaning they could give him a pay bump to return despite being over the second apron.

Kornet being the first free agency move is objectively funny in itself. However, the move is more important for Boston than you may think.

For starters, in bringing back Kornet, the Celtics will have the entire top-eight of their rotation (Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Kornet ) under contract for the 2024-25 season.

Aside from that, Kornet is coming off arguably one of his best professional seasons. He appeared in 63 games in the regular season, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds (a career-high), 1.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks (also a career-high), while shooting 70.0% from the field (another career-high). The 7-foot-2 big man also stepped up when called upon in the playoffs, appearing in 13 games.

Kornet, who turns 29 in July, simply does his job, which is exactly what is asked from your third center. The Vanderbilt product has proven reliable in his role, consistently stepping up and providing solid minutes when needed. Kornet’s ability to excel as a screener, rebounder, and be a disciplined player often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.

Boston will need that presence, especially early in the season. Kornet is the only big on the roster behind Porzingis, who will miss the beginning of the season, and Al Horford.

With Porzingis sidelined for five to six months after undergoing successful surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and a dislocated posterior tibialis tendon, he could be looking at a return around Christmas. This leaves Boston facing anywhere between roughly 20 and 30 games without Porzingis.

Additionally, at 38 years old, Horford will not play in back-to-backs, so the Celtics will look to manage his workload and keep him fresh for the long season ahead, creating an opportunity for Kornet to step up and provide valuable minutes. When Porzingis does return, Kornet will offer important depth minutes.

Kornet also embodies the type of character the Celtics value in their locker room. His wit and humor are highly respected, making him an essential presence among his teammates.

It's a small move, but it's one Brad Stevens and the Celtics have to be happy about. Just like last season, Boston will need contributions from up and down the roster to repeat as champions, and Kornet has proven he is capable of delivering.