Luke Kornet’s championship ring is still fresh, but the 7-foot-1 center is already eyeing his next mountain to climb. After helping Boston capture the 2024 title, Kornet has landed in San Antonio with one clear mission: help Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs build something special.
How Will Kornet Fit Alongside Wembanyama in San Antonio’s Frontcourt?
In his first media session since officially joining the Spurs, the soon-to-be 30-year-old center (turning 30 on July 15) outlined his vision for fitting into a Spurs lineup built around superstar Wembanyama and newly acquired guard De’Aaron Fox. Kornet didn’t stop there, name-dropping rising star Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper as key pieces in what he sees as an exciting mix of talent.
“I think it’s pretty exciting because I feel like, obviously, Victor’s got great skills. Then De’Aaron, Stephon and Dylan Harper. So, I feel like there’s a good mix,” Kornet said.
The veteran big man brings valuable experience playing alongside elite frontcourt players, having shared the court with Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford during his time in Boston. That experience gives him confidence about meshing with Wembanyama, whether they’re playing together or rotating responsibilities.
“Obviously, Victor’s talented where I feel like we could be able to play together. I did that some with Kristaps Porziņģis in Boston in the past year and Al Horford,” Kornet explained. “I feel like having a lot of experience with that both defensively and offensively and how to be able to play.”
Beyond the frontcourt chemistry, Kornet sees himself as a natural pick-and-roll partner for San Antonio’s guard rotation. His ability to set solid screens and finish around the rim should complement the driving ability of Fox, Castle, and Harper.
“Being able to be a good pick and roll partner with a lot of the downhill guards,” he continued, “I feel like, for me, the keys to my game, especially now, are just protecting the rim, which I feel me and Victor could be, obviously, really competent together, especially when he’s off the floor, being able to provide that.”
Luke Kornet on what he brings to #Spurs …
Says Wemby’s skills allow them to play together. Also mentions potential of his pick & roll game w/Fox, Castle & Harper
Defensively:
“…Me and Victor can be competent together, can provide that when he’s off the floor…”Full answer⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JOwML9X3oF
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) July 7, 2025
Kornet also emphasized his commitment to the little things that can swing games, particularly on the offensive glass where extra possessions can make the difference in tight contests.
“Offensive rebounds also become a big part of just being able to add possession,” he noted.
The center understands that his role in San Antonio will look different from his championship season in Boston, but he’s embracing that challenge as part of his basketball evolution.
“So, a fun part about it is that it’s going to look different than what it has a year before me. Every single year of playing is kind of like a new situation of figuring out how to best play.”
What Does Kornet’s Championship Experience Bring to the Spurs?
Kornet arrives in San Antonio coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career, averaging six points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and one block per game in a steady bench role for the Celtics.
His skill set translates perfectly to today’s NBA, where big men need to do more than just occupy space in the paint. Kornet brings smart passing, efficient finishing around the basket, solid screen-setting, and an understated defensive presence that doesn’t show up in highlight reels but wins games.
The Spurs have been searching for a dependable big man to complement Wembanyama’s unique talents. Now they have one with championship pedigree, NBA-ready size, and a mature understanding of how to impact winning basketball.
San Antonio committed to Kornet with a four-year, $41 million contract, fully guaranteed for the first two seasons, partially guaranteed in Year 3, and non-guaranteed in the final year. The Celtics wanted to keep him but couldn’t match the offer due to salary cap limitations, opening the door for his move.
Kornet’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. After originally joining Boston in 2021, he spent brief stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks before finding his home as Boston’s backup big starting in 2022.
Those years of perseverance and role-playing have prepared him for this moment, where he can step out of the shadows and help write San Antonio’s next chapter alongside one of the league’s most promising young stars.
