In today's NBA, centers and power forwards are expected to be versatile. Teams would like them to be able to score on the interior and on the perimeter. Teams look for centers and power forwards who can block shots, rebounds, get ahead in the fast break and be all around good basketball players. In a word, teams want centers and power forwards to be multi-dimensional and multi-talented. In Luke Kornet, the New York Knicks may have found a player who fits this description.
On December 14th, Kornet helped the Knicks come back and defeat Charlotte Hornets. Kornet scored 13 points and had 3 blocked shots. He was able to score close to the basket and from the perimeter.
With 10:23 left in the second quarter, with the Knicks trailing 38-18, Kornet took a pass down near the basket from Mario Henzonja and was fouled in the act of shooting. Kornet made both foul shots.
With the Knicks trailing 95-82 with 10:42 left in regulation, Kornet contested a shot from a Hornets' player that missed. Then about 45 seconds later made an open three point shot to get the Knicks to within 13 points. Within a minute, Kornet showed good defense and proficiency from behind the arc.
With 9:19 remaining, Hezonja missed a shot that was rebounded by Kornet, who dunked the basketball to get the Knicks to within 11 points at 98-87.This was his 5th consecutive point.
With 7:06 remaining in the 4th quarter, Parker of the Hornets made a spin move on Kornet down near the basket, but Kornet blocked Parker's shot. With 1:42 left in regulation, Kornet made a three point shot to give the Knicks a 109-108 lead.
On overtime, with 3:33 remaining, Kornet hit a three point shot to give the Knicks a 119-115 lead. Finally, with 12.8 seconds remaining, Kornet blocked a three point attempt by Williams to preserve the 126-121 Knicks lead.
During the game, Kornet was able to score on the inside and from the outside. He was able to rebound and block shots. He showed agility and mobility. He added a lot to the Knicks overall effort. On this night, he helped them come back and win a game.
After the game against the Hornets, Kornet's results were more pedestrian. On December 16th against the Indiana Pacers, in 9 minutes of action, Kornet had 5 points and 3 rebounds. On December 17th, against the Phoenix Suns, in 14 minutes of play, Kornet scored 6 points and had 3 rebounds. He was not able to build on his performance against Charlotte.
Kornet will be challenged to duplicate his performance against Charlotte if he wants to be a permanent part of the Knicks future. In a rebuilding season, the Knicks can afford to be patient with Kornet.
Kornet played college basketball at Vanderilt. During his time at Vanderbilt, Kornet blocked more shots than any other player in school history. Additionally, no player 7 foot or taller has made more 3 point shots in NCAA history. His shot blocking ability and three point shooting skills attest to his versatility.
While at Vanderilt, Kornet averaged 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks a game during his four years in college. Kornet was not drafted by an NBA team. He signed with the Knicks in July of 2017 and played in the summer league that year. Kornet signed a two way contract with the Knicks, which meant that he could play for New York or the Knicks' G league affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. Two way contracts can only be signed by undrafted players. Drafted players are not allowed to sign two year contracts. NBA teams can have two two way players on the roster at one time.
The Knicks are going through a rebuilding season. They are developing rookies Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Austin Trier. They are also working with second year player Frank Ntilikina. Kornet is another option for the Knicks. He is another young player who they can try and develop.
No comments:
Post a Comment