Celtics Big Man Suffers Sprained Ankle

The Boston Celtics welcomed in one big man today, only to lose another one — even if briefly — with a sprained ankle. 

Luke Kornet, who interim head coach Joe Mazzulla intimated is likely to take on a starter's role at center for the beginning of the season, will miss one to two weeks while his ankle heals. 

"That was our identity last year, trying to play big," said Mazzulla.

Starting center Robert Williams will be out likely until the new year after undergoing arthroscopic surgery one week ago to remove loose bodies and address swelling in his left knee. The latest timeline is "8-to-12 weeks."

Now with Kornet's shorter-term injury, it appears that the addition of big man Blake Griffin comes just in time.

Kornet actually becomes the third frontcourt player injured during the offseason, as Danilo Gallinari, signed as a free agent in July, suffered a season-ending knee injury overseas this summer.

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports