After ten years of dedication to the Golden State Warriors, Kevon Looney has officially moved on, signing with the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The 6-foot-9 center, known for his relentless effort on both ends of the court, played a vital supporting role in helping the Warriors secure three championship titles during his time with the team.
Although not a high scorer, Looney’s contributions on defense and in critical moments made him a key figure in Golden State’s successful era. His departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Warriors’ frontcourt that the franchise now must address.
Golden State’s Frontcourt Plans Focus on Marques Bolden
In the wake of Looney’s exit, the Warriors have moved to fortify their frontcourt by signing Marques Bolden to their summer league roster. Bolden, who stands 6-foot-10, previously played alongside Jayson Tatum at Duke University and is seen as a promising option to help fill the void.
During the 2016-17 season at Duke, Tatum delivered strong performances with averages of 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Bolden struggled, posting just 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. Despite these early challenges, Bolden remained with Duke for two more seasons before entering the NBA.
Marques Bolden’s Professional Challenges and Future Prospects
Since turning pro, Marques Bolden has had a rocky start, appearing in 18 NBA games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets. His career statistics so far include an average of 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, reflecting a tough path to establishing himself at the NBA level.
Now 27 years old, Bolden faces the challenge of stepping into a larger role in Golden State, as the Warriors place their hopes on his potential growth. The franchise’s decision to invest in Bolden could be a strategic gamble, aiming to develop his abilities to support their frontcourt needs in the coming season.
Implications for the Warriors and Pelicans Going Forward
Kevon Looney’s move to the New Orleans Pelicans represents a significant roster change for both teams, offering New Orleans a player with championship experience and resilience. For Golden State, the departure tests their ability to retool the frontcourt around newer talent like Bolden.
The upcoming season will reveal whether Bolden can rise to the occasion and solidify his place within a championship-caliber team, while Looney’s presence in New Orleans could provide stability and veteran leadership. This transition marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as they adapt to new lineups and pursue success in the competitive NBA landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Kevon Looney have?
A. Looney has faced a lot of injuries for someone his age. He underwent surgery to fix a torn labrum in his hip and deals with neuropathy, which impacts his limbs. It’s quite unfortunate because he’s well-liked, possesses a strong basketball IQ, and is known for his hard work.
Q. What disease does Kevon Looney have?
A. Looney successfully controlled his neuropathy pain and participated in every one of the 82 regular-season games. He achieved his career best by starting 80 times and averaged 21.1 minutes along with 7.3 rebounds per game.