Who Let the Spurs Get Away With This…

Who Let the Spurs Get Away With This…

All right, it’s time to check out Luke Cornett’s Spurs debut. 16 points, 100% from the field, and a plus 16. Let’s take a look at the film. He has the ability to occupy so much space. He’s in help position on the drive, but is also quick enough and long enough to take away this three-pointer. Despite that quick burst, he’s able to stay in front, recover, and get a great contest off. And he’s really good at avoiding fouls as a rim protector. As I say this, the next defensive possession, he gets a foul, but you still see the space he takes up and he understands where he needs to be at all times. Take away the middle. Rotate back to your man to make sure they don’t get an easy layup. He’s fundamentally sound defensively. That also translates to the offensive end of the floor. Look at this screen opening up his shooter. It turns out on Basketball Index as a screening talent, he was graded A+, ranked 11th out of 566 players. And while we’re at it, let’s look at his interior defense on basketball index. Everything is A+. He has a high basketball IQ. You can see it here. They’re trying to run an action, but the opponent is switching everything. Same thing on the next screen. So, he’s like, “Okay, you’re smaller. Let me just seal you off.” And now it’s a foul, too, at the free throw line. He went four for four on free throws as well. And this is what we all been waiting for. We Cornet lineups. And on this action, you can tell he knows the defense is going to care about Wemby more. So, he doesn’t even set a real screen. He fakes it and immediately he’s going right to the rim. That gives WMBBY more time to process what’s going on. Look at the height advantage. I mean, that’s just unfair. It’s great on ball defense. He just physically can’t reach that high. But also, it was critical. Luc Cornette catches, keeps it up, and goes right up with it because that third defender was right there. If he brings it down or takes a little more time, he might have got blocked. Once again, Mr. Fundamental. And then defensively, you really see the vision with this duo. Look at Cornette clogging the lane, helping off his man. You can trust WBY in a one-on-one situation on the weak side. He takes up space in a blink of an eye. So, even if you get that pass crosscourt, good luck getting to the corner. And if you do, I’m sure Cornet will rotate quickly. Now, this play right here just feels rude if we’re being honest. It’s like they’re going up against their sons on a mini hoop. There’s just nothing that this undersized team can do with that. And I know someone’s going to comment, “Oh, they’re going up against a team not in the NBA. It’s not impressive.” Well, yeah, I partly agree with you, but also it’s still very difficult for sevenfooters to operate a damn pick and roll. Pass it in the perfect place. Catch, pivot, score. We know sevenfooters, you know, they usually trip over themselves. So, that’s the impressive thing. Obviously, it’s going to be tougher against NBA competition, and it’ll be interesting to see if it can translate, but my goodness, this duo is passing the first test. Now, on to the second stint. Look at the hustle. Now, let’s go back to basketball index. Offensive rebounding talent A+ ranked 19th out of 569 qualified players. Putback scoring ranked 16th out of 569. A+ as well. His next bucket is a result of him being smart. He sees this defender sleeping one pass away. Just get in his way. And guess what? His man has to leave him to take away that three ball. And guess who’s wide open rolling and the ball does not stick to him. Catch it and immediately he knows toss it and screen. He knows his rule. He’s not trying to do too much. And offense can definitely attack him pulling up from deep when he’s in drop coverage. That’s something to watch for. Uh-oh, they’re back. Look at my guy run the floor. You cannot teach that type of hustle. Double screen up top. And this is kind of well covered. It doesn’t matter cuz he’s just going to dunk in your face. Luke Cornet, more like Luke O’Neal. I want to showcase this because this is perfect execution. Cornette helps take away the drive and the on ball defender immediately goes to the corner. Cornett’s man. He gets blown by. Don’t worry, Luke. Cornett’s at the rim. The Spurs have to master that concept. What a debut for Luke Cornet. One of the most underrated free agent signings. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let me know your thoughts below.

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