Luke Kornet’s Role Grows as Spurs’ Wembanyama Faces Injury Setback

San Antonio, TX — Luke Kornet is stepping into a bigger role with the Spurs after Victor Wembanyama suffered a left calf strain. The Spurs announced on Monday that Wembanyama will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, allowing Kornet to take over as the starting center for the rest of November and potentially longer.

Kornet had already missed six games this season due to an ankle sprain but returned to action last week. In his last four games, he averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds in a victory over the Sacramento Kings, showcasing his efficiency with an impressive shooting percentage of 80.6 percent from the field.

The 30-year-old center, who signed a four-year deal worth $41 million with the Spurs, is expected to see his playing time increase considerably. He is currently averaging a career-high 23 minutes per game, a number that will likely rise as he takes on a more prominent role in the team’s lineup.

Alongside Kornet, veteran Bismack Biyombo and former Celtics center Kelly Olynyk are expected to contribute at the center position during Wembanyama’s absence. Despite missing one of their star players, the Spurs continue to perform well and currently hold a surprising 9-4 record in the Western Conference.

The Spurs’ strong start this season comes even after star point guard De’Aaron Fox was sidelined for the initial weeks. Fox returned to action last week and will now have to lead the team with Kornet anchoring the middle.

San Antonio’s next matchup is an away game against the Phoenix Suns, who handed them their first loss earlier this season. Kornet and the Spurs are set to make their only visit to Boston on January 10, 2026.