The San Antonio Spurs did not set off summer fireworks by acquiring a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant this offseason. However, between the draft and the veterans they acquired, they bolstered the roster around Victor Wembanyama.
Among San Antonio's notable additions is Luke Kornet. The Spurs signed the now former Boston Celtics center to a four-year, $41 million contract.
On the inaugural episode of his new podcast, "White Noise," Derrick White discussed the emotions that come with Kornet's departure.
"Luke, man, I'm so happy for him. Like nobody deserves it more than him. This is a guy that was [on] a two-way, was cut, Exhibit 10s. He could've had more money elsewhere, then came back with us, and for most of the year, he was carrying us," said White.
The Celtics guard also highlighted Kornet's unorthodox evolution. The seven-foot-one center went from a floor-spacing five to making an offensive impact with his size and basketball IQ. That's accomplished through his screening, facilitating, especially when receiving the rock after rolling to the rim, and as a lob threat.
"He's probably one of the few people that has changed his game from a shooter to a non-shooter," voiced White. "For you to change your game, especially in the middle of your career, it's not easy to do. And I feel like every time he was out there, he just brought energy. The best teammate you could ever have. The nicest guy."
While White's thrilled for the Texas native to return home on a lucrative contract, naturally, his exit from Boston comes with mixed emotions for those who shared a locker room with him in recent years.
"Just a great guy," stated White. "Great teammate. Cares about you. Cares about your family. And great family, great people, and you hate to see him go, but you're just so happy for him to get what he deserves, and San Antonio's going to love him."
Derrick White examines Luke Kornet's fit with the Spurs
Kornet is coming off a career year. He averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.
He also combined with Jayson Tatum to form one of the league's most dominant pick-and-roll partnerships this season. That's a reflection of an impact that extends far beyond what the traditional box score captures.
As White pondered Kornet's potential impact in San Antonio, he noted, "He's just going to go in there and bring energy. I don't know, they're probably going to play him and Wemby together, which is going to be insane. It's going to be absolutely insane."
While Kornet is no longer a three-point threat, he proved plenty capable of operating alongside another big man like Al Horford or Kristaps Porzingis. He should have no problem functioning alongside Wembanyama when asked to do so.
That's largely due to his selfless nature and basketball intellect.
"He's a guy that knows how to play the game the right way," said White of Kornet. "[He's a guy] you want to play with. He makes the game easy for you because he's not asking for the ball on the block. He's not asking for any stat. He's not hunting stats. I think he's going to have a fun time in San Antonio, and [I'm] definitely going to miss him."