Cold hard Luke Kornet truth Spurs fans must finally accept

The addition of Luke Kornet was the San Antonio Spurs' big off-season move and has been treated as such by fans. While Kornet is a big get for the Spurs, his role may not be quite what fans are expecting.

If Victor Wembanyama is as healthy as he was during his rookie season, Kornet likely won't play more than 18 minutes a game next year. His signing was to solidify the backup center spot, which was a huge weakness for San Antonio, and adding him was also meant to bolster the second unit's defense.

He should do both of those things and more than justify his $10 million salary for each of the next 4 years. Better still, if Wembanyama were to get into foul trouble or, basketball gods forbid, get injured, he would be a more than competent stopgap starting center.

Luke Kornet may have a small role sooner but a big role later

While Kornet doesn't project to have a large role next season beyond playing behind Wembanyama, he could eventually grow into a larger role. Two big-man lineups have started to become in style again, partly thanks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with them starting Chet Holmgren and Isiah Hartenstein.

The Spurs have historically favored dual big man lineups, though that was during the Gregg Popovich era. However, if Coach Mitch Johnson were to go the classic route, pairing Wembanyama with Kornet in a starting lineup would have clear advantages.

The most obvious advantage is their size, with both players being at least 7'1", which would give San Antonio the biggest front line in the NBA. Especially if they are paired with Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, or Carter Bryant.

Put two of De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, and San Antonio could have a stellar lineup. While they would be giving up some spacing by swapping out Barnes for Kornet, they could offset it with his unique skill set.

He is a terrific screen setter and should make attacking the basket a snap for Fox and Castle and even Wembanyama, freeing him up by using pin-down screens. Kornet is also a strong offensive rebounder, helping to provide the Spurs second possessions while potentially offsetting a lack of spacing.

Excelling as a backup could lead to big things for Kornet

Defensively, Wembanyama and Kornet could put a lid on the rim, with both being elite rim protectors. Add in a capable defender such as Castle and even passable ones such as Fox and Vassell, and San Antonio could be a nightmare to score against.

That's putting the cart before the horse, however, and Kornet will have to first prove that he can be a reliable backup to Wembanyama. Assuming that he will be, then his role could eventually grow, perhaps just not this season.

All told, Kornet could play a smaller-than-expected role next season. Nevertheless, his role will be huge and could be a stepping stone to a bigger one for the Spurs going forward.