Luke Kornet’s journey through the NBA has been anything but ordinary. The 7’1″ center has bounced between six different teams, worn five different jersey numbers, and somehow managed to carve out a solid eight-year career. Now he’s heading to the San Antonio Spurs with a four-year, $40.7 million contract and yet another number on his back.
What Sparked New Spurs Big Man Luke Kornet’s Jersey Number Change?
Free agents officially became eligible to sign with their new teams starting July 6, and a long list of NBA players finalized moves this week. Among those players was Kornet, the former Boston Celtics center who may not have been the flashiest player in the league.
While his numbers don’t jump off the page, the Spurs added a valuable piece who could be one of the bargain pickups of the offseason. On July 7, the 29-year-old signed a deal that keeps him under contract with San Antonio through the 2028-29 season.
Throughout his eight seasons in the pros, Kornet has already changed his jersey numbers several times. During his first three seasons with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, he chose to wear No. 2. Kornet played two games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sporting the No. 12 jersey. During his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, he chose the No. 35 jersey.
Kornet spent the last four seasons with Boston, wearing the No. 40 jersey during his time with the Celtics, the number he wore during their memorable 2024 championship run.
For the 2025-26 season, however, the center will once again start the campaign with a new number. A viral post on X confirmed that the big man chose the No. 7 Spurs jersey for his upcoming season in San Antonio.
Luke Kornet will wear No. 7 for the #Spurs. Number last worn by David Duke Jr. in 2025. #NBA pic.twitter.com/5qHU2nCfmg
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 7, 2025
The reasoning behind Kornet’s choice reveals his personality and respect for the Spurs’ history. According to Nate Ryan of KENS5 news, Kornet joked that he hoped to be a third as good as legendary Spurs big man Tim Duncan when discussing why he chose the number. Duncan wore the No. 21 jersey throughout his Hall of Fame career.
Newest #Spurs big man Luke Kornet cracks that he chose #7 because he wants to be a third of the player Tim Duncan was.
Added that he loves multiples & factors. pic.twitter.com/ygvu93g2nE
— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) July 7, 2025
The NBA champion also confirmed that he liked multiples and factors, making seven a great fit for him mathematically. This quirky explanation shows the kind of thoughtful, analytical approach that has helped Kornet stick around the league for eight seasons.
How Will Kornet Impact the Spurs’ Roster Balance?
Kornet represents exactly the type of player every NBA team needs. The former Vanderbilt star is a high-IQ player who sacrifices for the greater good of the team. He can shoot from the perimeter, rebound, block shots, and bring a relentless approach to the court.
During the 2024-25 season, Kornet averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a block over 73 games. While those numbers might not wow anyone, they represent consistent production from a reliable veteran.
The Spurs enter the 2025-26 season with a guard-heavy roster, and picking up Kornet will go a long way toward balancing out their lineup. With 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama missing a substantial portion of the 2024-25 season, Kornet offers San Antonio a solid backup option at center.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Kornet brings experience and a veteran presence to a young roster that is still in its development stage. His championship experience with Boston, combined with his journey through multiple organizations, gives him a perspective that could prove valuable for the Spurs’ younger players.
