San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet said he will wear jersey No. 7 in his first season with the team, explaining that the choice reflects a desire to become “at least a third” of the player Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan was during his 19-year Spurs career in No. 21, according to local broadcaster Nate Ryan. Kornet, 29, joined the Spurs last week on a four-year, $41 million free-agency deal after a career-best campaign with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.6 minutes over 73 games. The former undrafted big man was part of Boston’s 2024 championship roster. The Spurs, coming off a 34-48 finish that extended their playoff drought to six seasons, are attempting to bolster a young core led by 2025 All-Star Victor Wembanyama, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and No. 2 draft pick Dylan Harper. Kornet’s veteran presence and self-professed homage to Duncan underscore the franchise’s efforts to blend experience with its emerging talent.