Spurs' Luke Kornet Wants to Share Lineups with Victor Wembanyama

New San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet has big plans next season with Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the floor.

Jan 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and center Luke Kornet (40) box out San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at TD Garden. | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

SAN ANTONIO — Luke Kornet, still striving to be "one third" of the player Tim Duncan was, has his work cut out for him with the San Antonio Spurs.

Beyond becoming a master at the midrange bank shot, Kornet will need to play a brand of defense only three players in NBA history have achieved. Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stand as the only three players with 10 All-Defensive nods in their career.

Kornet has another goal in mind first.

"Every single year is a new situation," Kornet said over the offseason. "I'm looking forward to figuring out the optimal way (to play) with this group."

Here’s another look at Luke Kornet in #Spurs threads. He’s the latest player with a championship to join the team. #PorVida pic.twitter.com/ugafjjdo6m

— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) September 29, 2025

Last season, Kornet averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 67 percent shooting from the field. He's averaged at least one block per contest for the past two seasons — a piece of his skill set that makes him a good match next to Victor Wembanyama.

"I think having two rim protectors can give you a lot of versatility to make things hard for teams," Kornet said Tuesday. It should be a fun time trying to figure it out offensively."

Mar 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) shoots in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Standing 7-foot-1, Kornet brings more size to a roster that missed it dearly a season ago. Spurs general manager Brian Wright confirmed that it was of utmost priority over the offseason after signing Kornet and trading for 6-foot-11 veteran center Kelly Olynyk.

Mitch Johnson was giddy at the pair of additions.

“The variety and versatility of their skill sets is something that complements our group," the coach said. "They’ve been part of winning programs. They are people (who) have embraced their roles and really been able to help teams, impact winning."

Had a great exchange with new #Spurs center Luke Kornet today about his experience winning a title with the #Celtics. Very insightful. Check it out: pic.twitter.com/jnInwgbhhn

— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) September 30, 2025

As San Antonio navigates a different roster behind Wembanyama, it'll be able to tap into size more often than it has in the past. From a coaching standpoint, the Spurs like where they are. Yet Wembanyama might be even more hopeful.

“With Luke, it’s not even optimism," Wembanyama said. "It’s necessity. Our combination ... we will need to have some of the best rim protection in the league. The best.”

Apr 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) tips the ball in the basket while Miami Heat guard Alec Burks (18) and center Kel'el Ware (7) look on during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Kornet is certainly bought into his teammate's ideology. And with a championship to his résumé, he seems to like the culture in San Antonio, too.

“Challenging ourselves to win the game at hand," Kornet explained, "win the day at hand, that’s where we want to be.”

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