Luke Cornett was a forgotten part of Art Spurs‘ run to the NBA Finals last season while providing quality backup minutes Victor Wembanyama and starting with 25 games. The veteran center got off to a slow start this fall, which spurred the coach on Mitch Johnson to stand up for him Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News writes in the article only for subscribers.
“I think part of it is that the four guys that are in there with Luke have to be better,” Johnson said. “Sometimes things get so heated with Luke because sometimes Luke stands up to Victor, not saying you said it, just in general. And if the same four guys are there with both of them, it’s not just Luke’s business. It means they have to be better, too.”
Johnson’s comments came after Cornett had one point and six rebounds in 14 minutes in Wednesday’s overtime win over Utah, posting a team-worst minus-8 rating. Cornett’s numbers are down significantly from last season, as he averages 2.4 points on 36.4 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game. 14.6 minutes through the first five games.
Orsborn says fans are already calling for Cornett to be traded with a first-round pick Tarris Reed Jrbut Johnson appears committed to Cornette, who is under contract through next season and has a $9.35 million team option for 2028/29.
There are more from the Southwest Division:
- Keldon Johnsonthe most long-term Spurs player, serves as a mentor to Reid and the team’s three other rookies, Orsborn states in the a separate story. Johnson is taking advantage of the example the veteran players set for him when he arrived in San Antonio in 2019. “I had Dejunt (Murray)“, he said. “He was amazing to me. DeMar (DeRozan) was surprising to me. Patty Mills was a great guy who led me by example and helped mold me into an NBA basketball player. I try to do the same with newbies that come in. Whatever advice they need, I try to be there for them and help in any way I can. That’s what my vets and older brothers did for me.”
- Alperen Sengun was removed from Rockets” injury report and will play tonight after missing Friday’s game with back pain, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic (Link to Twitter). Reid Sheppard to miss his second straight game with lower back pain Fred VanVleet will sit out the second night of the meet with a right knee injury. Marcus Smart will play back-to-back for the first time this season.
- Dylan Sanders of Yahoo Sports looks at the impact Pelicans‘ offseason additions Benedict Maturinwhich had hitherto been embarrassing, and Trendon Watfordwho saw his first game on Thursday night. AJ Johnson also a rookie on the roster, but he has yet to play and was assigned to the G League on Friday.