The San Antonio Spurs have become one of the league’s most intriguing defensive teams.
Their defensive intrigue extends beyond Victor Wembanyama, who enters next season as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Beyond Wembanyama possessing every tool necessary to be the league’s best defender, the Spurs also added Carter Bryant, who projects as a potential elite defender.
However, Wembanyama recently highlighted another defensive addition the franchise made this summer.
Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesVictor Wembanyama excited about Luke Kornet’s screening and shot-blocking abilities
That player is Luke Kornet, who signed a four-year, $41 million contract with the Spurs after leaving the Boston Celtics.
Wembanyama expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside the veteran big man.
“Luke is an experienced player, one of the best shot blockers in the league, so it’s super interesting,” Wembanyama stated.
“He’s a great screener as well. So far it’s great, whether it’s at practice or in this game, playing alongside him. So I’m excited to spend lots of minutes with him on the court.”
While Wembanyama’s assessment appears generous given traditional statistics, deeper analysis reveals substance behind his praise.
Wembanyama led the league with 3.8 blocks per game last season, while Kornet averaged just 1.0 blocks per game with the Celtics, ranking around 50th.
Per-possession statistics reveal Luke Kornet’s legitimate shot-blocking impact
However, per 100 possession statistics paint a more favorable picture of Kornet’s defensive impact.
He averaged 2.6 blocks per 100 possessions, placing him in the top 35 and ahead of notable big men including Kristaps Porzingis, Evan Mobley, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
If Kornet replicates his reliable production from Boston, he provides valuable depth for San Antonio.
Wembanyama requires complementary defensive talent to maximize the Spurs’ overall defensive potential.
Even elite individual defenders need quality teammates to elevate a team’s defensive ranking, making Kornet’s addition strategically important for San Antonio’s improvement aspirations.