When the San Antonio Spurs signed Luke Kornet, few could have predicted the seismic impact he'd have on the team. Emerging as perhaps the best free agency signing of last summer, Kornet has been instrumental in transforming the Spurs into genuine contenders by excelling in the often-overlooked aspects of the game.
From offensive rebounding to setting those bone-crunching screens and providing steadfast rim protection, Kornet has embraced every role necessary to help San Antonio win. His defensive prowess, in particular, has been a revelation.
Already recognized as one of the NBA's more formidable rim protectors, Kornet has surprised many with his adeptness at defending the pick-and-roll. Despite not being the most agile big man, he consistently excels in this area.
Luke Kornet is fueling the Spurs' defensive resurgence
Kornet frequently employs drop defense, strategically stepping back to block driving lanes while still being able to contest those tricky pull-up jumpers. This method, often used by teams with less mobile big men, is one Kornet has mastered.
The Spurs have struck gold having Kornet as a backup for Wembanyama, arguably the league's top defensive player. Team GM Brian Wright deserves credit for snagging Kornet in free agency on a deal worth around $10 million annually.
Remarkably, Kornet plays at a starting-caliber level, yet comes off the bench. This dual-anchor setup ensures the Spurs always have a rim protector on the court, with two big men capable of stifling the pick-and-roll.
Luke Kornet has been the Spurs' defensive unsung hero
No surprise, then, that the Spurs boast a third-place ranking in defensive rating. Opponents struggle to score consistently in the half court, often finding Kornet ready to maintain the defensive intensity when Wembanyama takes a breather.
In many respects, Kornet mirrors what Tiago Splitter was to Tim Duncan-a reliable center who can complement or substitute a star big man.
As the playoffs loom, Kornet’s minutes might decrease with Wembanyama taking on a larger role. However, the importance of those minutes when Wembanyama rests cannot be overstated. The Spurs are in excellent hands with Kornet safeguarding the paint.
Ultimately, the Spurs owe a significant part of their defensive improvement to Kornet's rim protection and pick-and-roll defense. With such a robust defense to rely on, the Silver and Black are primed for a deep playoff run.