Balancing Business and Basketball in the G League and NBA

Luke Kornet joins us this week to discuss his career path and the challenges that come with just trying to make it to, and remain in, the NBA. He opens up the conversation diving right into the camaraderie in the Celtics locker room this season, specifically with the Bus 1 Boys and unique experiences they have together arriving to arenas four hours ahead of games.   The conversation then shifts to Luke’s journey into the NBA after initially receiving zero Division 1 offers in high school and eventually going undrafted. Luke recalls questioning multiple times if continuing to pursue professional basketball was the right choice for him. He discusses the trials and triumphs he endured since then, which ultimately led to him signing with the Boston Celtics G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, and how that decision has impacted his life since.   Maine Celtics General Manager Jarell Christian then joins the podcast to provide a bit of insight into the business side of the G League, how it differs from the NBA and the challenge of running a team full of players whose individual sights are all set on making it to the next level. Jarrell talks about roster construction and how the Maine Celtics can be a useful development resource for players on the Celtics roster like Sam Hauser to develop in their role with more time and opportunity.   1:05 – Chemistry In The Celtics Locker Room 2:06 – The Bus 1 Boys Experience 9:07 – Luke Kornet’s Career Path 14:10 – Life In The G League 20:31 – Living In Uncertainty 33:10 – Making Business Decisions Based On Values 39:12 – Defining Roles 42:55 – Creating A Development System In Maine 48:38 – What Makes This System Work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.