Celtics Role Player Refutes Adrian Wojnarowski-Related Rumor

BOSTON — Luke Kornet was one of the last “Woj Bombs” from newly retired ESPN scoop master Adrian Wojnarowski, which in hindsight, prompted an understandable theory that centered around the Celtics big man.

Did Kornet make an effort to be the first “Woj Bomb” of the 2024 NBA offseason? Was there intent to re-sign with Boston as soon as possible to amplify the possibility of being Wojnarowski’s first breaking news report of the offseason? Were the Celtics in on the scheme, too? The 7-foot-1 veteran center, who signed a one-year, $2.8 million extension initially reported by Wojnarowski on June 30, addressed the conspiracy theorists eager for answers — in the most Kornet way possible.

“It’s really just timing. I don’t know,” Kornet said during Tuesday’s media day at Auerbach Center. “People sent me it and were like, ‘Oh is this true?’ and it was like, ‘What?’ That was about the end of that. So… yeah. I don’t know how or why or any of that. Also, thanks to Adrian Wojnarowski for all of his great work. I hear he’s moving on to other things. I’m sure a contingent of social media basketball fans will mourn the loss, even though you’re still alive and it’s not like that.”

The aforementioned “Woj Bomb” about Kornet added to a summer of career feats for the 29-year-old. Kornet won his first NBA championship, coined the “Kornet Contest” and took home a payday to rejoin the Celtics, who will try to become the league’s first repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will lean on Kornet more as Boston battles to maintain its dominant form from the 2023-24 season and re-establish it in 2024-25 without starter Kristaps Porzingis, who underwent offseason ankle surgery and could return in December.

Kornet also underwent offseason surgery (wrist) and is entering his eighth NBA season. The 28-year-old averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and one block while shooting 70% from the field in 15.6 minutes off the bench for Boston last season.