Luke Kornet's Boston homecoming highlights why teammates love him

Luke Kornet returned to Boston as a San Antonio Spurs player and was warmly received by former Celtics teammates; the story highlights his off-court humor, locker-room presence and his role as a selfless backup center.

Luke Kornet returned to Boston on Saturday as a San Antonio Spurs player and received a warm reception from his former Celtics teammates and staff. The visit underscored how his time in Boston became as much about personality and locker-room presence as on-court production. Kornet said his Derrick White slander ad was his favorite off-court stunt, and teammates recalled other humorous moments and a fake interview podcast. His arrival in Boston had coincided with a family milestone: his first daughter was two weeks old when he and his wife arrived in the city. Notable points: - Kornet picked the Derrick White slander ad as a highlight of his Celtics tenure and spoke of pride in his off-court content and celebrations. - He watched Friday’s Celtics win from a seat near the bench, received a hug from Jayson Tatum, spoke with Celtics staff during timeouts and went through the players’ tunnel at halftime. - Kornet said leaving Boston in free agency was difficult; the Celtics extended an offer but were constrained by salary limits under the CBA’s second apron, and he signed with the San Antonio Spurs. - In the Spurs’ late-game sequence against Boston, Kornet checked in alongside Victor Wembanyama and helped spark a 12-4 run, including a putback dunk that began the surge. - Teammates described Kornet as selfless, consistent and a steady locker-room presence, and San Antonio players celebrated moments such as a team T-shirt commemorating his play. Summary: Kornet’s homecoming illustrated the bonds he formed in Boston and how those relationships have endured after his move to San Antonio, with examples on and off the court cited by teammates. The Celtics have adjusted their frontcourt rotation with players like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza while the Spurs have incorporated Kornet into their lineup. Undetermined at this time.