Instant reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks signing center Luke Kornet

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly bringing in some more reinforcements. As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bucks plan to sign center Luke Kornet on a 10-day hardship contract after he recently finished up a similar deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Though the signing was a surprise, it does make sense for the champs as there are a few names on the roster currently sidelined. In addition to Brook Lopez being out due to his back surgery, the Bucks are without Semi Ojeleye and Thanasis Antetokounmpo due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols. With a need for some available bodies in the frontcourt, bringing in Kornet is a feasible move for Milwaukee.

What does Luke Kornet bring to the table for the Milwaukee Bucks?

Throughout 135 career games, Kornet has averaged 5.8 points on .404/.327/.755 shooting splits, 2.6 rebounds, and an assist in 15.1 minutes per game. Although his numbers are not the gaudiest, the 26-year-old will provide some quality insurance off the bench behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and DeMarcus Cousins. Much like Milwaukee’s other recent free agent signing, the Wisconsin Herd’s Javin DeLaurier, Kornet will likely not see much time, barring some unforeseen circumstances. DeLaurier has played just three minutes for the Bucks since signing his 10-day deal recently.

One area that will be interesting to monitor is Kornet’s 3-point shooting. During his first two NBA seasons as a member of the New York Knicks, Kornet shot an eye-catching 36 percent from deep on 4.1 attempts per game. His shooting has regressed to just 27.4 percent on 2.4 attempts over the following three seasons, but the big man has the potential to be a great shooter. Standing at a towering 7-foot-2, range like that is incredible, and if there is any team that could put Kornet’s shooting to good use, it is the Bucks. They have given players like Portis and Cousins the green light from downtown, meaning someone like Kornet would fit like a glove in this system.

Aside from the potential behind his outside shooting, there is not too much more to decipher here. There is virtually no risk in this move, given that it is just a 10-day deal and the Bucks can opt not to bring him back if things ultimately do not pan out. It does not seem like the champs signed him to play a pivotal role, but rather to get another available body with Ojeleye and Antetokounmpo on the sidelines momentarily. On the other hand, Kornet will continue looking to carve out a role for himself in the NBA after playing a mere 15 minutes during his 10-day contract with the Cavaliers. Though his playing time in Milwaukee will likely not be significant, it is a great organization for him to join and continue his quest to stick in the league. Time will tell how it all shakes out for him and if he gets a shot to prove himself with the defending champions this season.

In the meantime, welcome to Milwaukee, Luke!