Top 10+ things to know about Spurs newest big man Luke Kornet
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 28: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter of an NBA In-Season Tournament game at the TD Garden on November 28, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) (Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
NBA free agency started on Monday, June 30, and the Spurs quickly made a move to fill a need they've had for a while at the backup center position.
The Spurs signed Boston Celtics big man Luke Kornet to a 4-year deal worth $41 million. Kornet had been with the Celtics for two seasons. Last year, he averaged six points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting nearly 67% from the field.
Listed at 7-foot-1-inch tall by the NBA, Kornet is expected to add depth to the Spurs roster and step in when Victor Wembanyama is on the bench. According to ESPN.com, the Spurs' defense was ranked in the 73rd percentile with Wembanyama on the court and dropped to the 9th percentile without him. So, having someone as defense minded as Kornet will help the team maintain its defensive identity even when Wembanyama is resting.
Want to know more about the Spurs' newest team member? Here are 10 things to know about Luke Kornet as he begins the next chapter of his career in San Antonio.
Like Father Like Son
Kornet's dad, Frank, played in the NBA. He was a 6'9 forward who was drafted 30th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1989. He played a total of 89 games in the league and averaged 1.9 points and 1.1 rebound per game.
College Hoops
Kornet played college basketball at Vanderbilt University. He is the all-time leader for blocked shots in the school's history (210). He is also the NCAA all-time leader for three-pointers made by any player seven feet tall or taller (150). During his senior year at Vanderbilt, Kornet averaged 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and two blocks in 35 starts and earned All-SEC and All-SEC Defensive honors.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics goes up for a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 15, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Finding an NBA Home
After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kornet was invited to play in the Summer League by the New York Knicks. That summer, he was signed by the Knicks on a two-way contract and then on a standard contract the following year. After two seasons with the Knicks, Kornet played two seasons for the Chicago Bulls. He's also played for Cleveland, Milwaukee and, of course, Boston.
NBA Champion
Kornet is an NBA Champion. He earned his ring as a member of the Celtics during the 2023-24 season. During that season, he averaged career highs in field goal percentage (70%) and free throw percentage (90%). He played 13 games during the Celtics' title run in the playoffs where he played 10 minutes a game and shot 67% from the field.
Kornet Contest
Kornet is known for an unorthodox move on defense called "The Eclipse" (or the "Kornet Contest") where he contests an opponent's shot by jumping with both hands raised in the air no matter the distance between him and the shooter. The goal is to visually block the basket and distract the shooter.
Dry Sense of Humor
Kornet has a lot of dad jokes. After a game where his teammate and former Spurs player Derrick White played well against the Utah Jazz, he said, "I don't think I've seen a White kill Jazz like that since Ryan Gosling in La La Land."
Dog Mentality
Kornet is known to bark on the court or from the sidelines when he gets hyped up. When asked by a reporter what kind of dog he tries to emulate with his bark, he said it's probably a beagle because he grew up with one. But to us, it sounds more like a Great Dane.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics grabs a rebound against the New York Knicks in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Pre-Game Ritual
In Boston, Kornet had a pre-game ritual where he would do a windmill dunk for the fans. Hopefully, he'll bring the ritual to San Antonio this upcoming season.
Nickname Options
Kornet has a few nicknames in the league, but maybe it'll evolve once he's playing for the silver and black. In the past, he has been called "The Green Kornet," which won't work anymore since he's not in Boston; "UniKornet" and "Block Godfather." Our vote is for "Kornbread" now that he's playing in the South.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 07: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics blocks a shot from Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 07, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Big Brains
According to Kornet, he got a 34 on the ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions in the U.S. The highest possible score on the ACT is a 36. This means, Kornet is in the 99th percentile of all test takers. The average score is a 19.8.
