Note (September 2026): This profile has been corrected. Luke Kornet has played for the San Antonio Spurs since July 2025, the NBA lists him at 7 ft 1 in, and several career and playoff figures, plus the players named in the Game 5 account, were wrong and have been updated.
Luke Kornet is an American NBA center, born July 15, 1995, in Lexington, Kentucky, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs. The undrafted Vanderbilt product, listed at 7 ft 1 in, won the 2024 title with Boston, posted a playoff first in 2025 (10 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks, 5-of-5 shooting) and signed a four-year, $41 million Spurs deal.
Key Takeaways
- Current team: Luke Kornet plays for the San Antonio Spurs (No. 7) after leaving the Boston Celtics in free agency in July 2025.
- Historic night: On May 14, 2025, Kornet had 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks in a 127-102 Game 5 win over the Knicks, a combination no player had recorded in a playoff game before.
- Contract: His Spurs deal is reported as four years and $41 million, with the fourth year a team option.
- Career numbers: Through the 2025-26 season he averaged 5.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 421 regular-season games, according to ESPN.
- Net worth: No verified figure exists; the widely repeated $5 million number is an unverified estimate.
Luke Kornet, once seen as a role player off the bench, became one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. His stellar Game 5 performance against the New York Knicks not only helped the Boston Celtics extend the series, but also landed him in the NBA history books.
In that unforgettable game, Kornet recorded a stat line that stunned analysts and thrilled fans: 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks. That made him the first player in NBA postseason history to post such numbers while maintaining a perfect field goal percentage. This wasn’t just another box score filler—it was a statement.
So, who really is Luke Kornet? How did he go from an undrafted big man to playoff hero? Let’s explore his journey, performance, career stats, and the road ahead.
Luke Kornet – Player Profile & Career Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luke Francis Kornet |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1995 |
| Age | 31 years (as of September 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lexington, Kentucky, USA |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m), as listed by the NBA |
| Weight | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
| Nationality | American |
| College | Vanderbilt University (2013–2017) |
| NBA Debut | 2017 (Undrafted) |
| Team at the Time of Game 5 (now San Antonio Spurs, since July 2025) | Boston Celtics |
| Jersey Number (Celtics; he wears No. 7 for the Spurs) | 40 |
| Position | Center (listed as center-forward by the NBA) |
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Known For | Shot Blocking, Floor Spacing, High Basketball IQ |
| Notable Game | Game 5 vs Knicks, NBA Playoffs 2025 (10 PTS, 9 REB, 7 BLK, 100% FG) |
| Career High Blocks (Playoffs) | 7 Blocks – May 14, 2025 vs New York Knicks |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not publicly disclosed; the circulating $5 million estimate is unverified. Spurs contract: four years, $41 million (signed July 2025) |
| NBA Teams | New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs |
| NBA Career Stats (Approx.) | 5.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 55.3% FG, 32.1% 3PT, 78.6% FT in 421 regular-season games through 2025-26 (ESPN) |
| 2025 Playoff Stats (final, 11 games) | 4.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 72.4% FG (ESPN) |
| Draft Status | Undrafted – 2017 NBA Draft |
| Social Presence | Active in interviews, team community events, and postgame insights |
Disclaimer: The profile above was checked in September 2026 against NBA.com, ESPN and Wikipedia; net worth figures for athletes are estimates, not disclosed numbers. Any future updates or changes in player stats, contracts, or team assignments may not be reflected immediately. Always refer to official NBA or team sources for the most recent information.
Early Life and Background: From College Standout to NBA Hopeful
Born on July 15, 1995, in Lexington, Kentucky, Luke Francis Kornet grew up in a basketball family. His father, Frank Kornet, played in the NBA, so Luke was exposed to professional basketball from a young age. However, unlike many top recruits, Luke wasn’t heavily hyped coming out of high school.
He played college basketball at Vanderbilt University, where he showed flashes of brilliance as a stretch-five-someone who could shoot threes and protect the rim. At Vanderbilt, he became known for his unique mix of shot-blocking and perimeter shooting.
Despite his impressive college career, Kornet went undrafted in 2017. But that didn’t stop him.
Luke Kornet’s NBA Journey: The Grind Before the Spotlight
Kornet began his NBA career with the New York Knicks in 2017. Over the years, he bounced between teams like the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks, usually on short-term or two-way contracts.
What set him apart wasn’t just his height (he stands at 7 feet 2 inches) but his basketball IQ and work ethic. Coaches and teammates frequently praised his professionalism and commitment-even when he wasn’t in the rotation.
By 2021, Kornet had joined the Boston Celtics, where he initially served as a backup big. Over time, his role quietly expanded due to his ability to fit into different defensive schemes, especially the Celtics’ switch-heavy style.
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Rise with the Boston Celtics: More Than Just a Role Player
Fast forward to 2025, and Kornet is no longer just a bench warmer. With injuries to key Celtics stars like Jayson Tatum, Kornet stepped up in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
His Game 5 performance against the Knicks didn’t just help force a Game 6-it may have shifted the momentum of the entire series. Fans, analysts, and even rival players couldn’t stop talking about Kornet’s impact on both ends of the court.
What makes him valuable isn’t just his height-it’s his understanding of positioning, timing, and how to defend without fouling. In a league filled with high-speed guards and dynamic wings, Kornet brings a unique skill set that’s often underrated.
Game 5 Masterclass: A Career Night for the History Books
On May 14, 2025, Luke Kornet delivered what many are calling the best game of his NBA career. Coming off the bench, he played 26 minutes and contributed across the board:
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10 Points on perfect shooting (5/5 FG)
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9 Rebounds
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7 Blocks
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0 Turnovers
That stat line is historically rare. In fact, no player in NBA Playoff history had ever posted 10+ points, 7+ blocks, and 100% shooting from the field in a postseason game-until Kornet.
His defensive presence was especially crucial. With his long wingspan and timing, he altered shots even when he didn’t block them. His seven blocks, including one on a Josh Hart 3-point attempt in the fourth quarter, were game-changing. (An earlier version of this article named RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, but neither played for the Knicks in 2025: Barrett was traded to Toronto in December 2023 and Randle to Minnesota in October 2024.)
Kornet wasn’t just defending the paint—he was controlling it.
What Makes Luke Kornet Special: A Tactical Breakdown
Many casual fans may wonder why Kornet doesn’t start every game. The answer lies in matchups. Kornet excels in certain defensive situations, especially when facing teams that rely on perimeter-heavy or switch-based offenses.
Here’s what makes him unique:
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Elite shot-block timing: He doesn’t rely solely on athleticism but uses anticipation.
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Floor spacing: While not a volume shooter, he can hit threes, pulling bigs out of the paint.
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Smart help defender: Kornet rotates quickly and covers ground without over-committing.
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High basketball IQ: Coaches trust him to run defensive schemes without lapses.
In many ways, he’s a coach’s dream: low-maintenance, versatile, and fully locked in.
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Luke Kornet Stats Overview: Career and Playoffs Snapshot
Here is the snapshot as first published during the 2025 postseason. Several of its figures were inaccurate; verified career and playoff numbers by season appear in the stats section further down this page.
| Category | Career Average (as first published) | 2025 Playoffs (as first published, mid-series) |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 220+ | 9 |
| Points Per Game | 5.4 | 6.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 3.9 | 5.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.1 | 2.4 |
| FG% | 47.6% | 63.2% |
| 3PT FG% | 32.3% | 37.5% |
| Free Throw % | 77.4% | 81.2% |
His 2025 playoff surge is not just impressive—it’s historic, especially in Game 5.
Luke Kornet Off the Court: Personality, Net Worth & Life
Off the court, Kornet is known for his intelligence and dry humor. Teammates describe him as “goofy but brilliant,” and his interviews often go viral due to his wit.
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $5 million, though that figure is an unverified estimate rather than a disclosed number. His verified earnings include a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs signed in July 2025. He’s also popular among Celtics fans for his humility and team-first attitude.
He studied computer science and mathematics at Vanderbilt, where he was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a CoSIDA second-team Academic All-American, according to Vanderbilt Athletics, and he is regarded as one of the more thoughtful, well-spoken players in the league. He’s also been involved in community work through Celtics’ outreach programs.
Injury Updates and Health Status
Throughout his career, Kornet has avoided major injuries, which is rare for a 7-footer. As of Game 5, he’s fully healthy, though the Celtics medical staff continues to monitor his minutes to avoid wear-and-tear.
One minor incident occurred in Game 5 when he accidentally elbowed Knicks guard Josh Hart, causing a facial cut. Officials reviewed the play and ruled it a common foul rather than a flagrant. Hart stayed in the game, made both free throws and led the Knicks with 24 points.
Boston’s run ended two days later, and Kornet went on to play 68 regular-season games for the Spurs in 2025-26.
What’s Next for Kornet and the Celtics?
After Game 5 the Knicks led the series 3–2, and the Celtics hoped to carry the momentum from Kornet’s breakout performance into Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks won Game 6 119-81 on May 16, 2025, ending Boston’s title defense, and Kornet left that summer to sign with the San Antonio Spurs. Whether or not the Celtics win it all, Kornet has already carved out a name for himself in NBA lore.
His journey-undrafted, overlooked, and now unforgettable-is a lesson in perseverance.
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Final Thoughts: Why Luke Kornet Matters More Than Ever
In an era dominated by highlight-reel dunks and superstar headlines, Luke Kornet proves that effort, intelligence, and execution still matter.
He isn’t flashy. He doesn’t seek attention. But when the Celtics needed him most, he delivered like a seasoned pro. If you’re a young player dreaming of making it big, Kornet’s story is one worth studying.
Sometimes, all it takes is one game to change everything-and Luke Kornet just had his.
Where Does Luke Kornet Play Now?
Luke Kornet plays for the San Antonio Spurs. He agreed to terms on June 30, 2025, the first day of free agency, and formally signed with San Antonio on July 7, 2025, according to reporting by ESPN and Wikipedia’s summary of team announcements.
The contract is reported as four years and $41 million, an average of roughly $10.2 million a season, with the first three years guaranteed and a team option on the fourth. That deal is by far the largest of his career; he had spent his first eight seasons on modest contracts, including two-way and 10-day deals.
In San Antonio, Kornet’s main job is to back up Victor Wembanyama at center. In the 2025-26 regular season he appeared in 68 games with 25 starts and averaged 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 block in 21.0 minutes, all career highs in minutes and rebounds, according to ESPN and NBA.com.
Luke Kornet’s Playoff Run and NBA Finals With the Spurs
Luke Kornet reached his second NBA Finals in 2026, this time with the Spurs. He played 23 playoff games, averaging 3.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 12.9 minutes, according to ESPN.
His signature moment came in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on May 31, 2026. With about six and a half minutes left and San Antonio leading 97-91, Kornet chased down Oklahoma City center Isaiah Hartenstein and blocked a breakaway dunk attempt. NBA.com reported that Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called it the biggest play of the game, which San Antonio won 111-103.
The Finals brought a familiar opponent. The New York Knicks, the team Kornet had blocked seven shots against a year earlier, beat the Spurs four games to one between June 3 and June 13, 2026, winning their first championship since 1973. Jalen Brunson was named Finals MVP. For more on New York’s playoff history, see this Pacers vs Knicks head-to-head history.
Luke Kornet Career Stats by Season
The table below lists Luke Kornet’s regular-season per-game averages, as published by ESPN in September 2026.
| Season | Team | Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | New York Knicks | 20 | 16.4 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 39.2% |
| 2018-19 | New York Knicks | 46 | 17.0 | 7.0 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 37.8% |
| 2019-20 | Chicago Bulls | 36 | 15.5 | 6.0 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 43.8% |
| 2020-21 | Chicago / Boston | 31 | 11.2 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 43.6% |
| 2021-22 | Cleveland / Milwaukee / Boston | 12 | 7.1 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 57.1% |
| 2022-23 | Boston Celtics | 69 | 11.7 | 3.8 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 66.5% |
| 2023-24 | Boston Celtics | 63 | 15.6 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 1.0 | 70.0% |
| 2024-25 | Boston Celtics | 73 | 18.6 | 6.0 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 66.8% |
| 2025-26 | San Antonio Spurs | 68 | 21.0 | 6.5 | 6.1 | 1.0 | 64.3% |
| Career | 6 teams | 421 | 15.9 | 5.4 | 3.9 | 0.9 | 55.3% |
The trend explains his career arc. Kornet began as a perimeter-shooting big man with low field-goal percentages, then remade himself in Boston as a screener, rim runner and shot blocker who shot between 66% and 70% from the field for three straight seasons.
Luke Kornet Playoff Stats
| Postseason | Team | Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Blocks | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Boston Celtics | 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 100.0% |
| 2022 | Boston Celtics | 9 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 75.0% |
| 2023 | Boston Celtics | 8 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 87.5% |
| 2024 (champions) | Boston Celtics | 13 | 10.2 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 66.7% |
| 2025 | Boston Celtics | 11 | 16.4 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 72.4% |
| 2026 (Finals) | San Antonio Spurs | 23 | 12.9 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 56.9% |
Across 66 postseason games through 2026, Kornet has scored 200 points with 192 rebounds and 35 blocks, according to ESPN.
Luke Kornet Career Timeline
- 2013-2017: Plays four seasons at Vanderbilt University.
- 2017: Goes undrafted and joins the New York Knicks, spending two seasons there.
- 2019-2021: Plays for the Chicago Bulls.
- March 2021: Traded to the Boston Celtics; waived in October 2021.
- 2021-22 season: Plays for the G League’s Maine Celtics and on 10-day deals with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks before returning to Boston in February 2022.
- June 2024: Wins the NBA championship as Boston beats the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
- May 14, 2025: Records 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks on 5-of-5 shooting in Game 5 against the Knicks.
- July 2025: Signs a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
- June 2026: Reaches the NBA Finals with San Antonio, losing to the Knicks 4-1.
Luke Kornet’s College Career at Vanderbilt
Luke Kornet played at Vanderbilt from 2013 to 2017 and left as the program’s all-time leader in blocked shots with 210, according to Vanderbilt Athletics. He also set the school’s single-game record with 10 blocks against Auburn.
Vanderbilt Athletics credits Kornet with 150 career 3-pointers, which it describes as the most by a seven-footer in NCAA history. That mix of rim protection and outside shooting is why he entered the NBA labeled a stretch five.
Luke Kornet’s Family
Luke Kornet is the son of Frank Kornet, who also played at Vanderbilt and in the NBA, and Tracy Kornet, a Nashville television news anchor, according to Wikipedia. His sister, Nicole, played college basketball. Kornet is married to Tierney and has spoken publicly about his Catholic faith, including in a personal blog.
How Tall Is Luke Kornet, and What Is His Net Worth?
Luke Kornet is listed at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) and 250 pounds by NBA.com and ESPN. Some fan sites and older profiles, including an earlier version of this page, give 7 feet 2 inches; the official league listing is the better reference. For contrast, see the shortest players in NBA history.
Luke Kornet’s net worth has never been disclosed. Online estimates of about $5 million are unverified and predate his Spurs contract. What can be verified is his salary: the four-year, $41 million deal he signed with San Antonio in 2025 is reported to pay about $10.2 million a year on average, before taxes, agent fees and living costs. For context on the league’s top earners, see this list of the richest NBA players.
Kornet’s path from undrafted rookie to rotation big man mirrors other late bloomers such as Jose Alvarado, another player who went undrafted before earning a steady NBA role.
FAQs About Luke Kornet
What is Luke Kornet’s age?
Luke Kornet is 31 years old as of September 2026; he was born on July 15, 1995.
How tall is Luke Kornet?
The NBA lists him at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) and 250 pounds; some older profiles say 7 feet 2 inches.
What team does Luke Kornet play for?
He plays for the San Antonio Spurs, wearing No. 7, after signing a four-year, $41 million deal in July 2025. He played for the Boston Celtics from 2021 to 2025 and won the 2024 NBA championship there.
Did Luke Kornet set any records in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
Yes, he became the first player in NBA postseason history to score 10+ points, grab 9+ rebounds, and block 7 shots while shooting 100% from the field.
What is Luke Kornet’s net worth?
Luke Kornet’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Figures around $5 million circulate online but are unverified estimates; his Spurs contract alone is reported at $41 million over four years.
What college did Luke Kornet attend?
He attended Vanderbilt University.
Is Luke Kornet part of the Celtics’ starting lineup?
No. Kornet left Boston in July 2025. With the Spurs in 2025-26 he mainly backed up Victor Wembanyama, starting 25 of his 68 regular-season games.
Where can I watch Luke Kornet’s Game 5 highlights?
You can find them on YouTube or NBA.com under Celtics vs Knicks Game 5.
What team does Luke Kornet play for now?
Luke Kornet plays for the San Antonio Spurs, wearing No. 7. He joined the Spurs as a free agent in July 2025 after four-plus seasons with the Boston Celtics.
How much is Luke Kornet’s contract with the Spurs?
Luke Kornet’s Spurs contract is reported as four years and $41 million, signed July 7, 2025, with the first three seasons guaranteed and a team option for the fourth, according to ESPN and other outlets.
Has Luke Kornet won an NBA championship?
Yes. Luke Kornet won the 2024 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, who beat the Dallas Mavericks in five games. He reached the Finals again in 2026 with the Spurs, who lost to the Knicks 4-1.
What was Luke Kornet’s record-setting playoff game?
On May 14, 2025, Luke Kornet recorded 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks in 26 minutes as Boston beat the Knicks 127-102 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. No player had posted that combination in a playoff game before.
Was Luke Kornet drafted?
No. Luke Kornet went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft after four seasons at Vanderbilt and signed with the New York Knicks.
A note on the figures: net worth for a public figure is an estimate, assembled from reported earnings, visible assets and a good deal of inference. It is not an audited financial disclosure, published sources routinely disagree, and the number changes over time. Treat it as an indication of scale rather than an exact amount.
