Luke Kornet must answer his playoff questions in the Spurs’ October gauntlet

Writer Ty Small argues that San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet faces significant pressure to prove himself during a difficult October schedule following postseason struggles. Kornet performed well during his first regular season in San Antonio, posting career highs in points and rebounds while Victor Wembanyama was sidelined. However, the writer notes that the playoffs exposed Kornet's limitations on both ends of the court.

Small contends that Kornet must step up defensively and on the glass against interior-heavy opponents such as Oklahoma City and Minnesota. With rookie frontcourt additions Tarris Reed Jr. and Jayden Quaintance providing competition, the writer asserts that Kornet needs a strong start under head coach Mitch Johnson to secure his backup center role.