Luke Kennard has quickly gained recognition in the NBA for his lethal shooting ability, basketball IQ, and all-around versatility. From his days as a college standout at Duke to becoming one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA, Kennard has shown he has what it takes to succeed in the world’s most competitive basketball league. As of the 2023-2024 NBA season, Kennard has solidified his place as one of the most accurate three-point shooters in the league.
This article will delve into Kennard’s journey, his playing style, his impact on the teams he has played for, and his future in the NBA. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the player, including those that fans are looking up on YouTube and other platforms.
Early Life and Background
Luke Kennard was born on June 24, 1996, in Middletown, Ohio, a city with a rich basketball tradition. His father, Mark Kennard, played college basketball at the University of Akron, which helped instill a love for the game early on. Growing up, Luke was always surrounded by basketball, and his father played a key role in his development, providing guidance and helping him hone his skills from a young age.
High School Career
Kennard attended Middletown High School in his hometown, where he quickly gained attention for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and overall athleticism. In his senior year, he averaged 32.2 points per game, along with 7.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. These numbers not only earned him recognition as one of the top high school players in the state of Ohio but also placed him on the national radar.
Kennard was named the Ohio Mr. Basketball in 2015, an honor given to the best high school player in the state, and was ranked as a top-25 prospect in the country. His shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc, became one of his signature traits, drawing the attention of numerous top college programs.
College Basketball Career
Kennard committed to playing college basketball at Duke University, one of the premier basketball programs in the country, and joined the Blue Devils for the 2015-2016 season. Under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Kennard quickly adapted to the rigorous demands of college basketball and proved he was ready for the next level.
Impact at Duke
In his freshman year, Kennard made an immediate impact, playing in 37 games and starting 19. He averaged 11.8 points per game while shooting 49.5% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range. His ability to score from deep, along with his high basketball IQ, made him one of the standout freshmen on the team. Kennard helped lead Duke to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, and his stellar performances earned him All-ACC honors.
During his sophomore season, Kennard’s game took another step forward. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, solidifying himself as one of the top players in college basketball. His efficiency from three-point range shooting 44.4% from deep was one of the most impressive aspects of his game.
Kennard’s ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Kennard’s success at Duke culminated in him declaring for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season. He was widely considered one of the top shooting guard prospects in the draft class.
NBA Draft and Early Career
In the 2017 NBA Draft, Luke Kennard was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 12th overall pick. This was a significant achievement, as it made Kennard one of the top shooting guards taken in that year’s draft. His selection by Detroit gave him the opportunity to develop his game under the guidance of veteran players like Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond, as well as the coaching staff led by Stan Van Gundy.
Early Struggles and Development
Kennard’s rookie season was marked by some early struggles as he adjusted to the pace and physicality of the NBA. He played in 73 games during his first season, starting in 8, and averaged 9.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. His three-point shooting, however, was a bright spot, as he shot an impressive 39.9% from beyond the arc, which showed his potential as a perimeter threat in the league.
In his second season, Kennard showed significant improvement. He became more consistent with his shooting, averaging 15.8 points per game while maintaining a solid shooting percentage. His ability to stretch the floor and hit shots from the outside helped provide spacing for Detroit’s offense, making him a valuable asset.
Trade to the Los Angeles Clippers
In the 2021 NBA offseason, Kennard was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a deal that sent him to a contending team looking to add depth to their roster. Joining the Clippers allowed Kennard to be a part of a team with championship aspirations, alongside superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Role with the Clippers
Kennard’s role with the Clippers was as a sharp-shooting wing, coming off the bench to provide scoring and floor spacing. In his first season with the team, Kennard averaged 8.3 points per game, shooting 44.0% from the field and 44.9% from three-point range. His ability to catch and shoot, as well as his off-ball movement, made him a perfect fit in the Clippers’ offensive system, which often featured ball movement and space creation.
His three-point shooting remained one of his most valuable assets, and his ability to come off screens and quickly knock down shots made him a key contributor to the team’s offense. Kennard’s role with the Clippers has continued to evolve, and he remains one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the NBA.
Playing Style and Strengths
Luke Kennard is widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. His career three-point shooting percentage of 41.3% is a testament to his exceptional ability from beyond the arc. Kennard has the rare ability to shoot effectively both off the dribble and off the catch, making him a versatile perimeter threat.
His shooting form is smooth, quick, and consistent, and he has the ability to make shots in a variety of situations, whether it’s coming off screens, pulling up in transition, or catching and shooting. Kennard’s shooting prowess has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous shooters in the league.
Basketball IQ and Court Vision
Beyond his shooting, Kennard possesses a high basketball IQ. His understanding of the game allows him to make quick decisions, both as a scorer and as a passer. Kennard is a solid playmaker for his position, averaging over 2 assists per game in his career. His ability to read defenses and find open teammates makes him a well-rounded player who can contribute in multiple ways.
Off-Ball Movement
One of the key aspects of Kennard’s offensive game is his ability to move off the ball. He is constantly in motion, working to get open for shots. Whether it’s cutting to the basket or running off screens, Kennard’s ability to create separation and find open spaces is one of the reasons he’s such a valuable asset as a shooter. This skill is crucial in an offense that values ball movement and spacing.
Notable Performances
Kennard has had several standout performances in his career, most notably in games where he has exploded for big three-point shooting games. One memorable performance was during the 2020-2021 season when he scored 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point range, in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
FAQs
Where did Luke Kennard play college basketball?
Luke Kennard played college basketball at Duke University, where he was a standout player. He played one season for the Blue Devils (2016-2017) under coach Mike Krzyzewski and earned All-ACC honors for his performances. Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game and shot 43.8% from three-point range during his freshman year.
What is Luke Kennard’s role on the Los Angeles Clippers?
Kennard serves as a key bench player and perimeter shooter for the Clippers. His role involves spacing the floor with his shooting ability and providing scoring off the bench. Kennard’s ability to shoot efficiently from deep has made him a valuable contributor, especially in the second unit.
What is Luke Kennard’s 2025 contract status?
As of 2025, Luke Kennard is still under contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He signed a multi-year extension with the team, solidifying his role in their future plans. The exact terms of the deal vary depending on reports, but his contract is significant for a player of his caliber.
Has Luke Kennard won any NBA awards?
While Luke Kennard has not won major individual NBA awards, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2017. His efficient three-point shooting and consistent scoring have made him a vital player, even if he hasn’t earned All-Star selections.
What are Luke Kennard’s best career games?
Luke Kennard has had multiple standout performances throughout his career, especially games where he exploded from beyond the arc. One of his career-highs came in a 2021 game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he scored 28 points and hit 6 three-pointers.
In Summary
Luke Kennard has proven himself to be one of the most consistent and dangerous shooters in the NBA. His ability to knock down three-pointers, combined with his high basketball IQ and off-ball movement, makes him a valuable asset on any team. Whether it’s his time with the Detroit Pistons or his current role with the Los Angeles Clippers, Kennard’s shooting and versatility have made him a key contributor in the league.
As Kennard continues to refine his game, there’s no doubt that he will remain one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA for years to come. With his deadly shooting and understanding of the game, Kennard has the potential to be a crucial piece for any championship-contending team, and basketball fans everywhere will be watching to see what he does next.
To read more, Click Here .
