Luke Douglas Kennard, born on June 24, 1996, is an accomplished American professional basketball player making waves with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His journey to the professional scene began when the Detroit Pistons selected him as the 12th pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Before making a mark in the NBA, Kennard showcased his talents playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.
Quick Facts
Full Name |
Luke Douglas Kennard |
Known As |
Luke Kennard |
Date of Birth |
June 24, 1996 |
Birth Place |
Middletown, Ohio, the USA |
Nick Name |
Cool Hand Luke, Duck |
Religion |
Christianity |
Nationality |
American |
Zodiac Sign |
Cancer |
Age |
27 years old |
Height |
1.96 m (6 feet 5 inches) |
Weight |
206 lb (93 kg) |
Hair Color |
Light brown |
Eye Color |
Brown |
Build |
Athletic |
Father’s Name |
Mark Kennard |
Mother’s Name |
Jennifer Kennard |
Siblings |
An older sister |
Siblings’ Name |
Lauren Kennard |
Education |
|
Marital Status |
Married |
Sexual Orientation |
Straight |
Wife’s Name |
Anna Castro |
Kid |
None |
Food Habit |
Non-vegetarian |
Profession |
Professional basketball player |
NBA Draft |
2017 |
Position |
Shooting guard |
League |
National Basketball Association (NBA) |
Active Years |
(2017–present) |
Net Worth |
$3-$4 million |
Currently Plays For |
Los Angeles Clippers |
Former Clubs |
|
Jersey Number |
5 |
Career Highlights & Awards |
|
Social Media |
Instagram, Twitter |
Merch |
Notebook, Autographed card |
Luke KennardEarly Life, Family & Education
Luke Douglas Kennard, hailing from Middletown, Ohio, was born to Mark and Jennifer Kennard on June 24, 1996. His parents, particularly his father, Mark, played a pivotal role in shaping his passion for basketball. Mark, a former basketball player, served as a point guard for the Franklin School and Georgetown College during his high school and college years.
Mark’s influence extended beyond Luke, as he also encouraged Luke’s sister, Lauren, to engage in extracurricular activities, although she did not pursue a career in sports. The Kennard family’s supportive environment fueled Luke’s early interest in basketball.
Mark actively coached Luke at home, imparting fundamental skills such as ambidextrous dribbling and shooting. Luke’s height advantage over his peers and his father’s guidance contributed to his early success on the court.
Despite excelling in baseball and football, Luke’s basketball dedication intensified. Following his high school graduation from Franklin in 2014, he continued his athletic and academic journey at Duke University.
High School Career
Kennard’s roots trace back to Franklin, Ohio, where he attended Franklin High School. His senior year accolades included being named the Parade National Player of the Year, highlighting his prowess on the basketball court. Despite also dabbling in football, where he showcased his ambidextrous abilities, Kennard’s left-handed prowess in basketball set him apart. His high school achievements made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
College Career
Choosing Duke University for his collegiate basketball journey, Kennard continued to shine. In his freshman season, he displayed versatility, averaging 11.8 pts, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per match. His sophomore year was a standout, with impressive averages of 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Kennard’s contributions earned him prestigious titles such as first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American.
Professional Career
Kennard’s NBA journey commenced when the Detroit Pistons drafted him as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut in October 2017, showcasing his skills with an 11-point performance. Throughout his time with the Pistons, Kennard achieved notable milestones, including recording a double-double and setting a career-high of 28 points in a match against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2023)
In a significant move in November 2020, Kennard was traded to the LA Clippers in a three-team trade. His tenure with the Clippers was marked by impactful performances, including a game where he logged 20 points, seven rebs, and four assists in less than 20 minutes of playing time—a franchise first.
Memphis Grizzlies (2023–Present)
In February 2023, Kennard embarked on a new chapter as he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal involving the Houston Rockets. His debut with the Grizzlies showcased his scoring prowess, contributing four points and two rebounds. However, it was in March 2023 that Kennard left an indelible mark, scoring a career-high, tying 30 ends, and setting a franchise record for most threes made in a game.
Luke Kennard: Awards & Achievements
Luke Kennard has amassed a collection of awards and accolades throughout his basketball career, showcasing his talent and contribution to the sport. Although he’s yet to secure any trophies in his professional NBA career, his pre-NBA years were notably successful. Some of Kennard’s distinguished awards include:
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Ohio Mr. Basketball (2014, 2015)
-
FIBA Americas U-18 Championship (2014):
-
ACC Tournament MVP (2017)
-
McDonald’s All-American (2015
-
Consensus second-team All-American (2017)
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First-team All-ACC (2017)
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First-team Parade All-American (2015)
Age, Weight & Height
As of 2023, Luke Kennard is 27, celebrating his birthday every June 24. Possessing an athletic build, Kennard weighs around 206 lb (93 kg) and stands tall at 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches). His height has always been advantageous in his role as a shooting guard.
Personal Life and Relationship
Luke Kennard excels on the court and garners attention for his personal life. At 27, he is recognized not only for his basketball skills but also for his excellent sense of humor and dashing appearance.
Kennard is in a committed relationship with Anna Castro, a native of Springboro, Ohio, and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. The couple’s journey began in high school, where they fell in love, and despite a brief separation, they rekindled their romance. Kennard proposed to Anna on October 17, 2021, and the couple plans to tie the knot in August 2022.
The couple has no children, and Kennard’s life reflects a balance between his thriving basketball career and his loving relationship.
Net Worth, Salary & Career Earnings
Luke Kennard’s financial success aligns with his on-court achievements. Although he entered the NBA in 2017, his earnings have been substantial. As of estimates in 2023, his net worth is between $3 million to $4 million.
His primary source of income is his NBA career. Starting with the Detroit Pistons, Kennard earned around $2.75 million in his rookie season and approximately $7 million over two more seasons with the team. After attending the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, he received $5.2 million for his first season. Currently earning an annual salary of about $12 million, Kennard has accumulated around $15 million from his NBA career.
Luke Kennard on Social Media
For those wanting to keep up with Luke Kennard off the court, he can be found on social media platforms:
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Instagram: @lukekennard5
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Twitter: @LukeKennard5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Luke Kennard still in the NBA?
Yes, Luke Kennard is still an active NBA player. His youth, great form, and continuous contributions to the game suggest a promising future.
Is Luke Kennard a starter?
While Kennard has started many matches in his basketball career, he has yet to be a starter consistently. His college sophomore year saw him starting the most games, but since then, he has started intermittently.
Luke Kennard’s Wife Ana Castro: Private Life and Relationship
Dive into the life of Anna Castro, the heart behind NBA player Luke Kennard’s triumphs. Hailing from Springboro, Ohio, Anna’s journey unfolds with family ties, educational pursuits, and a love story that braved challenges. As she marries Luke on August 5, 2022, let’s explore the highs, lows, and personal tragedies that shaped the woman behind the scenes.
Quick Facts
Full Name |
Anna Castro |
Date of Birth |
August 11, 1997 |
Age |
26 |
Birthplace |
Springboro, Ohio |
Religion |
Christian |
Father |
Herman Castro |
Mother |
Diane Lindenschmidt Castro |
Siblings |
Austin Castro |
Ethnicity |
American |
High School |
Centerville High School |
College |
University of Cincinnati |
Marital Status |
Married |
Husbad |
Luke Kennard |
Social Media |
|
Zodiac sign |
Aries |
Height |
5 ft 1 in |
Weight |
59 Kg |
Who is Anna Castro?
Anna Castro, the girlfriend of NBA player Luke Kennard, hails from Springboro, Ohio. Born to Herman and Diane Lindenschmidt Castro, Anna spent her childhood with her parents and her only brother, Austin. She attended Centerville High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2016. Anna also engaged in cheerleading during her high school years.
Net Worth and Social Media Presence
Details about Anna Castro’s net worth remain undisclosed as she keeps a low profile about her professional life. Although her work is not publicly known, it is mentioned that she assisted her father in his business endeavors. Anna maintains an active presence on Instagram with 11.5k followers, where she and Luke share glimpses of their relationship.
Relationship and Private Life
Anna and Luke Kennard’s relationship had its share of challenges, including a brief separation in early 2017. Despite the hurdles, they reconciled and have been open about their love on social media. The couple tie the knot on August 5, 2022, in Simi Valley, California. Detailed information about the wedding, including guests and venue, can be found on TheKnot.
Luke Kennard’s Former Partner | Savannah Chrisley
Before rekindling his romance with Anna, Luke Kennard had a brief relationship with Savannah Chrisley. The pair split four months after making their relationship public, with Savannah citing Luke’s alleged cheating as the reason for their breakup. Savannah, the daughter of real estate agent and TV star Todd Chrisley, emphasized the importance of self-respect in her decision to end the relationship.
Anna Castro’s Personal Tragedy
Anna faced a personal tragedy when her dear friend Michael Tepe died in a car accident in November 2013.