Ex-Celtic Luke Kornet Had Funny Reason For Specific Change With Spurs

Luke Kornet will represent a new organization when he begins the 2025-26 campaign, and that includes a new jersey number.

Kornet, who spent three-plus seasons with the Boston Celtics, agreed to a lucrative contract with the San Antonio Spurs on the first day of the legal tampering period. Kornet reportedly received a four-year, $41 million pact from San Antonio.

The big man explained why he chose to switch from No. 40 in Boston to No. 7 in San Antonio, doing so with a touch of his well-documented humor.

“I’ve never worn the number before,” Kornet told reporters in San Antonio, as transcribed by CBS Sports. “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.”

Kornet was asked a follow-up about his skillset in mathematics, which he replied: “I love multiples, factors. Break it all down.”

Kornet, who will turn 30 years old this month, played a big factor during his tenure with the Green. That was recognized by the franchise and his former teammates upon signing in San San Antonio.