Helena Frye
Luke Kennard is an American professional basketball player who was born in Middletown, Ohio, in 1996. He is currently a shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Kennard had a successful high school and college basketball career at Franklin High School and Duke University, respectively, before being drafted into the NBA in 2017. He has since played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Memphis Grizzlies. Kennard is known for his impressive shooting ability, particularly from three-point range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luke Douglas Kennard |
| Born | 1996, Middletown, Ohio |
| Parents | Jennifer and Mark Kennard |
| Siblings | Lauren Kennard (older sister) |
| High School | Franklin High School, Franklin, Ohio |
| College | Duke University |
| NBA Debut | 20 October 2017, against the Washington Wizards |
| NBA Draft | 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2017 NBA draft |
| Current Team | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Position | Guard |
| Recent Average | 13.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 27.3 minutes per game |
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What You'll Learn
Luke Kennard's career at Duke University
Luke Kennard committed to Duke University to play college basketball during his junior year of high school. He was one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, ranked as the No. 24 prospect in his recruiting class by ESPN. Kennard finished his high school career with the second most points in Ohio history, ahead of LeBron James.
As a freshman at Duke, Kennard averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. On January 6, 2016, he scored 23 points in a 91–75 win over Wake Forest. A month later, on February 6, 2016, Kennard scored 26 points in an 88–80 win over NC State. On November 29, 2016, Kennard scored 20 points in a 78–69 win against Michigan State in the ACC–Big Ten Challenge.
During his sophomore year, Kennard averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He led the team in three-point range with 43.8% and free-throw percentage at 85.6%. As a sophomore, he was named first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American. Kennard chose to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft, where he was selected 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons.
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Kennard's time at the Detroit Pistons
Luke Kennard was drafted 12th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2017 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2017, against the Washington Wizards, scoring 11 points and recording two steals in 18 minutes. Kennard spent three seasons with the Pistons, during which he established himself as a talented young player.
During his time with the Pistons, Kennard showed great potential, particularly in his shooting ability. In the 2019-2020 season, he established himself as a full-time starter for the team. That season, he scored 30 points and three rebounds in a 119-110 win over the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after 28 games due to bilateral knee tendinitis and the subsequent suspension of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite showing promise, Kennard's time with the Pistons was somewhat inconsistent, and he struggled with injuries. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade on November 19, 2020, ending his time with the Detroit Pistons.
On October 23, 2019, Kennard had one of his best performances with the Pistons, scoring 30 points and three rebounds in a win over the Indiana Pacers. He became an integral part of the team during the 2019-2020 season, showcasing his scoring ability and contributing to the team's success. Kennard's performance that season solidified his place as a starter in the NBA and earned him recognition as a talented young player.
Overall, Kennard's time with the Detroit Pistons was a period of growth and development for him as a player. He gained valuable experience in the NBA, improving his game and establishing himself as a solid contributor. His shooting ability and potential were evident during his time with the Pistons, and he built a foundation for his future success in the league.
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Kennard traded to the Los Angeles Clippers
On February 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Clippers traded for Luke Kennard, alongside Reggie Jackson and John Wall. In exchange, the Clippers received Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland, and Mason Plumlee.
The trade was considered somewhat confusing, as the Clippers had traded away both of their traditional point guards and still needed to address their point guard situation. There were reports that the team was interested in Russell Westbrook, but this did not eventuate.
The 6-foot-5 Kennard is a comfortable player, with more size and strength than his predecessor, Landry Shamet. While Shamet may have had the higher ceiling, Kennard was considered the better player for the Clippers' short-term future. The trade also improved the Clippers' bench and cleared salary cap space, giving them greater flexibility to build out roster depth.
Kennard's injury history, including bilateral knee tendinitis, was a concern for the Clippers and something to monitor in the future.
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Kennard's time at the Memphis Grizzlies
Will Kennard, a 6'5" tall, 28-year-old shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, was born on June 24, 1996. He was a first-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft, selected 12th overall. Kennard's time with the Memphis Grizzlies has been marked by injuries and questionable availability for games.
On one occasion, Kennard was listed as questionable for a Saturday game against the Thunder due to right Achilles soreness. There was concern that he would miss Game 3 as a result of this injury, which would have left Scotty Pippen as the team's only available point guard against Oklahoma City.
Kennard's injury woes continued, as he was later ruled out of a Sunday game against the Mavericks due to right knee soreness. He had previously been uncertain to play because of this issue. In a Thursday game against the Thunder, Kennard played 33 minutes, contributing five points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a 114-108 loss. Kennard's performance in the Western Conference playoffs was solid, if unspectacular, as the Grizzlies fell to defeat.
Despite these setbacks, Kennard has shown his value to the Grizzlies, particularly with his three-point shooting ability. In a game against the Utah Jazz, he drained a crucial three-point shot, showcasing his scoring prowess. Kennard's time with the Memphis Grizzlies has been a mix of strong performances, injury setbacks, and doubts about his availability for key games.
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Kennard's three-point scoring ability
Will Luke Kennard, a shooting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, is known for his three-point scoring ability. Kennard has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a three-point shooter throughout his career.
During the 2022-23 NBA season, Kennard showcased his three-point prowess on multiple occasions. In a game against the Utah Jazz, he drained a crucial three-pointer, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments. Additionally, in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kennard scored five points, including a three-pointer, along with five rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes of play.
Kennard's three-point shooting has been a key weapon in the Grizzlies' offensive arsenal. He possesses a quick release and a high release point, making it difficult for defenders to block his shots. His accuracy from beyond the arc creates valuable scoring opportunities for his team, particularly when paired with his ability to create space and generate open looks.
Kennard's three-point proficiency was also on display during the Grizzlies' playoff run. In the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, despite facing a formidable opponent in the Thunder, Kennard managed to contribute valuable three-point scoring. During Game 3, he scored five points, including one three-pointer, along with five rebounds and three steals. Although the Grizzlies lost that game, Kennard's three-point shooting provided a much-needed offensive spark.
Injuries have occasionally hindered Kennard's playing time, including right knee soreness and an Achilles issue. Despite this, his three-point scoring ability remains a crucial asset for the Memphis Grizzlies, and he is expected to continue making significant contributions from beyond the arc.
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Frequently asked questions
A: Luke Douglas Kennard.
A: Detroit Pistons.
A: Los Angeles Clippers.
A: Duke University.
A: Guard.
