Luke Kornet, the recent free agent acquisition of the San Antonio Spurs, has made a noteworthy impact in his brief appearances on the court, despite having played in only three regular season games so far. Officially recognized for his contributions, Kornet has already caught the eye of rising star Victor Wembanyama, who praised the 30-year-old center for his shot-blocking abilities. Wembanyama noted, “It’s good to have him back. There’s not many shot blockers like him in the league.”
Kornet’s early season efforts were momentarily interrupted by a left ankle sprain sustained during the Spurs’ second game, but he exited on a high note with an impressive performance of 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and one block, helping secure a win against the New Orleans Pelicans. After making a successful return in the game against the Chicago Bulls, he contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, leading the Spurs to another victory, this time by a score of 121-117.
Teammate Stephon Castle expressed his excitement over Kornet’s return, emphasizing his skills in rolling to the rim, defense, and communication on the floor. Kornet’s ability to connect with Wembanyama for alley-oop opportunities was a significant highlight during the game. Castle remarked, “It definitely makes a difference,” acknowledging that defenses often focus on Wembanyama, which allows Kornet to find openings.
Kornet himself recognized the positive influence Wembanyama has on the entire team, noting the synergy between them on both ends of the floor. He explained, “You just start recognizing it. When he starts feeling in a flow, you’re just working to enable that and have space around it.”
Kornet’s journey in the NBA has seen him play for various teams, including the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks, prior to winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024. In San Antonio, he joins fellow veterans De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes. Both Kornet and Fox have recently returned from injuries, and the team anticipates the return of second overall pick Dylan Harper, bolstering hopes for a strong season ahead.
With Kornet integrating well into the Spurs’ lineup and contributing to a string of victories, there is a positive outlook as the team continues to evolve, especially with young talents like Wembanyama at the forefront.