​San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet proved to be one of the most vital and impactful free agent acquisitions across the entire NBA last summer, serving as a reliable anchor during the regular season. However, heading into the upcoming campaign, Kornet’s secure standing in the rotation faces a major test as the front office aggressively revamps the team’s frontcourt depth.

​Following an intense postseason run that exposed vulnerabilities when superstar Victor Wembanyama headed to the bench, the Spurs’ front office took swift action. By drafting high-upside young center prospects Tarris Reed Jr. and Jayden Quaintance, San Antonio has signaled a clear shift in their long-term roster planning—putting Kornet’s future in the Texas capital on notice.

​The Postseason Exposure and the Wembanyama Burden

​During the regular season, Kornet excelled in his designated role, keeping the Spurs afloat and providing steady minutes while Wembanyama rested. But the physical realities of the NBA playoffs told a vastly different story.

​When the games tightened up, opposing teams relentlessly hunted Kornet whenever Wembanyama was off the floor. The defensive drop-off forced head coach Mitch Johnson’s hand, leading to an extraordinary reliance on Wembanyama’s endurance. In a grueling Game 7 against the rival Oklahoma City Thunder, Wembanyama was practically forced to play heavy minutes deep into the second half, with Johnson admitting he would have pushed his young phenom the entire half if foul trouble hadn’t intervened.

​To be fair, Kornet delivered a massive, legacy-defining defensive play in that same Game 7—surging forward for an incredible block midway through the fourth quarter that bought Wembanyama crucial rest and prevented OKC from clawing back into striking distance.

​Aside from that shining moment, however, Kornet’s playoff impact was largely forgettable. Playing a modest 12 minutes per game due to the team’s reluctance to run smaller non-Wembanyama lineups, Kornet struggled in short stints, and the Spurs were frequently outscored during his relief minutes.

​The New Guard: Reed Jr. and Quaintance Are Waiting in the Wings

​Recognizing these postseason limitations, San Antonio used the summer to completely overhaul their center pipeline.

​The arrival of rookie Tarris Reed Jr. changes the equation immediately. Reed projects as a player ready to contribute right away, bringing rugged physicality and interior defense that could carve out a role as the team’s primary backup center. Meanwhile, fellow newcomer Jayden Quaintance represents an elite, high-ceiling long-level investment for the future.

​By injecting fresh talent into the locker room, the Spurs are proactively preparing for the future. With looming financial considerations like the second apron down the line, Kornet may only have another season or two left in San Antonio before the front office pivots entirely toward their younger, cost-controlled assets.

​What to Expect Next Season

​Next year will likely serve as a transitional bridge. The immediate goal for San Antonio will be integrating Reed Jr. into a small, meaningful role as the third big man while safely managing Quaintance’s development and health.

​Kornet will undoubtedly still have opportunities to contribute and help guide the younger players through the rigors of an 82-game schedule. But make no mistake: the writing is on the wall. The Spurs brought in Reed and Quaintance to eventually replace Kornet, and his workload is expected to see a noticeable reduction as early as this season!