Luke Kornet (PF/C, NYK) - Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add In 14-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 8% of leagues

ANALYSIS: The New York Knicks have not been very good over the past few seasons, and while this means that they have been able to acquire players like Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox through high draft picks, it also means that they have been saving money lately by serving as a grounds for experimenting with players who otherwise wouldn't have gotten a chance on another NBA roster. One of those players is 7-1 former Vanderbilt Commodore, Luke Kornet. Though he is averaging just 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.4 blocks in 11.2 minutes per game; he has earned more playing time of late and has even found himself in the Knicks starting lineup twice in his 15 games played. What's more, Kornet has been one of New York's most productive players when on the floor. In terms of average per 36 minutes of play, he is fifth on the team in points (17.1), fourth in rebounds (6.6), third in assists (4.1), and second in blocked shots (1.3).

Most impressively, Kornet has been one of the most pinpoint accurate shooters for David Fizdale's squad. His true shooting percentage of 60.9% and his effective field goal percentage of 59.5% are second on the team to only Mitchell Robinson, and he is currently stroking 1.4 shots from long-distance per 3.0 attempts per game for a team-best conversion rate of 46.7%. Granted, Kornet has been receiving more playing time due to Robinson's ankle injury, but in this recent stretch he has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set and has been dialed in from distance. With his size and versatility paired with the open nature of New York's roster, he could carve out a more consistent role for himself moving forward.