AUERBACH CENTER — On Celtics Media Day, Brad Stevens revealed that two Celtics’ rotation bigs — Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman — had surgical procedure over the offseason.
Kornet had wrist surgical procedure on the conclusion of the season, whereas Tillman had a knee scope on the finish of July. Each ought to be good to go, Stevens confirmed, with no recognized limitations.
Kristaps Porzingis, in the meantime, is recovering properly, although there’s no timeline for his return.
“He’s very optimistic,” Stevens mentioned. “I don’t know that we’re occupied with placing a timeline on it, as a result of the harm is exclusive. However so far as how he feels and the progress that he’s made, we’re very, very happy with the place he’s — perhaps slightly shocked.”
Nonetheless, with Porzingis out for the beginning of the season, the well being and availability of Kornet and Tillman turn out to be much more necessary. Each back-up bigs will seemingly play greater minutes within the wake of their star heart’s restoration, with 38-year-old Al Horford additionally more likely to shoulder a much bigger load.
“These timelines matched up properly with the beginning of the season, clearly, with some huge depth points doubtlessly,” Stevens mentioned. “So, we’re lucky.”
Final season, Kornet averaged 5.3 minutes and 4.1 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per recreation, whereas Tillman averaged 4 factors and a couple of.7 rebounds in 13.7 minutes.
Neither Kornet nor Tillman’s surgical procedures had beforehand been reported, however it feels like neither is a very substantial growth.
“I’m actually inspired by the well being of our group,” Stevens mentioned.
Brad Stevens on bringing again the identical group from final season:
“Typically, I’d say I would not thoughts a tweak or two, simply because I believe that these issues can impress you… I believe that these guys are galvanized by one another.” pic.twitter.com/ejy6GYYc4y
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) September 24, 2024
Neemias Queta also needs to be within the combine to enhance back-up huge minutes. As a two-way participant final season, the Portuguese huge man averaged 5.5 factors in 11.9 minutes per recreation, in 28 appearances. All three gamers — Kornet, Tillman, and Queta — re-signed with the Celtics on minimal offers this summer season.
The Celtics returned almost the whole thing of final yr’s championship roster, excluding Oshae Brissett (free agent) and Svi Mykhailiuk (signed with Utah). Stevens mentioned usually talking, it may be galvanizing to tweak a roster and usher in some new additions.
However within the Celtics case, they wished to run it again with the identical solid as a lot as doable.
“I believe these guys are galvanized by one another,” Stevens mentioned.