Luke Kornet Is Quietly Becoming a Key Piece in San Antonio’s Resurgence
When the Spurs signed Luke Kornet in the offseason, the move barely made a ripple. On paper, it looked like a depth signing-a solid, experienced big who could eat up some minutes behind Victor Wembanyama.
But fast forward to midseason, and Kornet has become one of the most impactful players on the roster. Not just a stopgap, not just a backup-he’s been a difference-maker.
Injuries to Jeremy Sochan and Wembanyama early in the year opened the door for Kornet to step into the starting lineup. And he didn’t just hold the fort-he helped elevate the team.
In the 22 games he’s started, the Spurs have gone 18-4. That’s not a coincidence.
That’s a trend.
Now, 8.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game might not jump off the stat sheet. But Kornet’s value goes well beyond the box score. He’s doing the little things-the winning things-that don’t always show up in fantasy stats but show up in the standings.
The Pick-and-Roll Partner San Antonio Needed
One of the most telling metrics? Kornet ranks third in the league in screen assists, per NBA.com.
That’s a stat that doesn’t get nearly enough love. Every time he sets a solid pick that leads directly to a bucket, it counts-and Kornet’s doing it at an elite level.
It’s a throwback to what San Antonio has always valued: unselfish, high-IQ basketball. Big men who know how to play within a system, who can make their teammates better without needing the ball in their hands. Kornet fits that mold perfectly.
His screens have been especially effective with De’Aaron Fox and rookie guard Stephon Castle. When Kornet sets that pick, he’s not just freeing them up-he’s helping them get downhill, collapse the defense, and create chaos. And in a system that thrives on ball movement and spacing, that’s gold.
A Reliable Roll Man with a Soft Touch
Kornet has also emerged as San Antonio’s best roll man since Jakob Poeltl, but with a few added wrinkles. He’s a legitimate lob threat-already with 25 alley-oop finishes this season, most of them courtesy of Castle. That vertical spacing forces defenses to account for him every time he rolls to the rim.
And he’s not just dunking everything. Kornet is shooting a scorching 64.9% from the field.
That kind of efficiency is rare, especially for a player who isn’t a featured scorer. He’s converting the looks he gets, making smart decisions, and staying within himself.
What’s more, he’s not a liability at the line. Kornet is knocking down 79.3% of his free throws this season, a major plus for a big man.
That means teams can’t just foul him and expect an easy bailout. He’s making them pay.
Dominating the Glass Without Needing the Ball
While his screen-setting and finishing have been critical, Kornet’s biggest hidden weapon might be his offensive rebounding. Per 36 minutes, he’s averaging 4.8 offensive boards-far and away the best mark on the team.
That’s been huge for a Spurs squad that’s struggled from deep, currently sitting 21st in the league in three-point percentage. Misses are going to happen, but Kornet’s ability to generate second-chance opportunities has helped San Antonio stay in games they might otherwise lose.
He’s not demanding touches. He’s not calling for post-ups. He’s just outworking people-carving out space, fighting for position, and giving his team extra possessions.
A Smart Signing Paying Off Big
Credit goes to Spurs GM Brian Wright for seeing the value and locking Kornet in on a four-year, partially guaranteed $41 million deal. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t make headlines in July but pays dividends in February and beyond.
Kornet gives San Antonio options. He’s a dependable backup for Wembanyama, but also someone who can step into a starting role and keep the team humming. That kind of versatility is rare, and it’s exactly what this young Spurs team needs as they continue to develop their core.
He’s not flashy. He’s not filling highlight reels.
But Luke Kornet is doing everything you want from a modern NBA big-and he’s doing it at a level few expected. For a team building toward something bigger, that kind of steady, unselfish production is invaluable.
And if the Spurs keep winning with Kornet in the lineup, don’t be surprised if he goes from underrated signing to cornerstone contributor.