Spurs' new-look roster will test their faith in Luke Kornet

San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet was arguably the most impactful free agent signing last summer, but his role may soon change. Especially with the Spurs having revamped their center rotation by adding Tarris Reed Jr. and Jayden Quaintance. Both of whom figure into the Spurs' long-term plans.

Kornet was a mixed bag in the NBA playoffs, with him being relentlessly attacked when star Victor Wembanyama was out of the game. With no other options, San Antonio resorted to playing Wembanyama big minutes.

So much so that coach Mitch Johnson might have played Wembanyama the entire second half of Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder had he not gotten into foul trouble.

Of course, Kornet had an incredible block midway through the fourth quarter of Game 7. That bought Wembanyama a couple of minutes of rest and prevented OKC from getting within four points of tying the Spurs.

The Spurs may rely on Luke Kornet less next season

Aside from that, he was largely forgettable in the playoffs. That was partly by design. He was always intended to be a regular-season player meant to keep the Spurs afloat at center without Wembanyama.

With Wembanyama playing heavy minutes and no French Vanilla lineups, Kornet was left to play only around 12 minutes per game in the postseason.

He seemed to do worse in shorter stints, and the Spurs were often outscored when Wembanyama was on the bench. Depending on how Reed Jr. plays as a rookie and whether Quaintance gets minutes as a rookie, the Spurs may have other options at backup center.

The Spurs may slowly be moving away from Luke Kornet

Notably, San Antonio bought in two rookie centers. Reed Jr. appears ready to play now, while Quaintance is more of a long-term play. Despite that, the result could still be the same.

Kornet may only have another season or two with the Spurs before they potentially have to move on from him to duck the second apron. San Antonio likely understands that and is prepping for that by adding two talented young prospects now rather than later.

With any luck, Kornet will remain a key contributor next season while Reed Jr. and Quaintance develop. The goal for next season is for Reed Jr. to play small but meaningful as a third center and get Quaintance healthy and possibly even play some.

But, make no mistake, the Spurs bought both of those players in to eventually replace Kornet. With him seeing a reduced workload as soon as next season.

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