Boston Celtics: Luke Kornet Achieves Bonkers Feat in Game 5 Blowout Victory Vs. New Knicks 3 Jan 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

'I’ve Never Worn the Number Before' – San Antonio Spurs’ Luke Kornet Reveals Funny Tim Duncan Reason for Wearing No. 7

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 11:15 AM ET

After spending the last four seasons with the Boston Celtics, Luke Kornet joined the San Antonio Spurs on a four-year, $41 million contract, where he’ll wear a different jersey number.

During his first media availability with his new team, the San Antonio Spurs center explained why he chose No. 7 instead of his usual No. 40.

“I’ve never worn the number before,” Kornet said. “Honestly for me, I feel like I’m in a time of life where me and my family, seven is a big number of covenant and fulfillment and order and the faith. That’s kind of what called me to it. The secondary reason was I just hope to be a third of the player that Tim Duncan was.”

Mar 6, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is defended by Miami Heat center Greg Oden (20) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

To say that Tim Duncan is a franchise legend is an understatement. The Hall of Famer won five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs, two MVPs, and earned 15 All-Star selections while wearing the No. 21 jersey – a number three times bigger than Kornet’s – for his entire career.

San Antonio Spurs News: Luke Kornet explains his fit with the team

Luke Kornet feels he will fit in seamlessly with the San Antonio Spurs, given his prior experience with the Boston Celtics. Like Boston, San Antonio also has a tall center in Victor Wembanyama and several intriguing pieces in De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.

San Antonio Spurs' Chris Paul Might Not Be a Player Next Season, NBA Insider Says 3 Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) after making a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

“I think it’s pretty exciting because I feel like, obviously, Victor’s got great skills. Then De’Aaron, Stephon, and getting (Spurs drafting) Dylan Harper. So, I feel like there’s a good mix,” Kornet said via ClutchPoints’ Hector Ledesma.

“I feel like, for me, the keys to my game, especially now, are just protecting the rim, which I feel me and Victor could be, obviously, really competent together, especially when he’s off the floor, being able to provide that,” he continued.