It’s not uncommon for an NBA player to make a huge switch to his playstyle, but a few have done it not to reach the next level, but to save their professional playing days from the mud. One of those is the once-journeyman and now fan favorite Luke Kornet, who changed one important detail in his game to revive his NBA career.
Luke Kornet Accepts He Shouldn’t Be a Shooter
Back at Vanderbilt, Kornet was known as a 7-foot-1 big man who could swat shots and knock down threes. Yes, he was a fascinating stretch big man in college and literally the best shooting big of his time after becoming the NCAA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made by a player 7 feet or taller.
Although he went undrafted in 2017, Kornet still got picked up by the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, his competition in the NBA was far better compared to college. His shooting percentages dipped, and his efficiency took a dive. And as a player who relied heavily on his perimeter offense, he was essentially a liability on the floor if he couldn’t shoot. With his height and skill set, Kornet wanted to be the next Brook Lopez or Ryan Anderson, but he just couldn’t cut it.
Kornet bounced around the league, mainly splitting his time in the G League. He played for New York, Chicago, and Boston’s G League affiliates and had very brief stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. His turning point was when he landed back with the Boston Celtics, where he joined a contending team under head coach Joe Mazzulla.
By that time, Kornet started to accept a new role and transitioned from a shooting big to a traditional big man. He focused on setting screens, passing on open lanes, rebounding, and defense, which made him a valuable asset for the Cs, eventually becoming a key part of their 2024 championship run.
To those who don’t remember, Luke Kornet gained notoriety for his quirky “Kornet Contest,” where he vertically jumps near the paint with arms extended upward just to contest a three-point shot. It looked unorthodox at first, but it made him popular among fans.
Luke Kornet Fits Perfectly with the Spurs Now
One of the best things the San Antonio Spurs did in the 2025 offseason was luring away Luke Kornet from the Boston Celtics. The French Vanilla, as Spurs fans like to call him, seems to be fitting perfectly with Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Dylan Harper.
In San Antonio, Kornet doesn’t have to score or shoot all that much. Actually, as a former three-point-shooting center, Kornet seems to have completely erased the three-point shot from his arsenal, as the last time he made a shot from long range was in the 2023–2024 season.
Despite giving up the long ball, Luke Kornet is currently averaging a career-high 7.2 points per game on top of 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks as a backup center for San Antonio. Although the 30-year-old big man is taking a minor role on a roster filled with young stars, Kornet has turned out to be a fan favorite across the league. His goofy celebrations, fun persona, and his fit in the Spurs’ system just make him an all-around likable player.
