As the Golden State Warriors prepare for the upcoming NBA season, Kevon Looney will no longer be part of their roster, ending a tenure that began when he was selected 30th overall in the 2015 draft. Looney, who shared the floor with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green last season, was the longest-serving player on the team and contributed to three of the Warriors’ four championships in the last decade. His departure signifies a significant shift for the franchise as he moves on to the New Orleans Pelicans after signing a two-year, $16 million contract during the summer.
Stephen Curry reflects on Looney’s role within the Warriors
Though Kevon Looney’s individual stats, averaging five points and 5.7 rebounds per game, may not grab headlines, Stephen Curry emphasized the deeper impact Looney had on the team’s culture and success. According to Curry, Looney has been a steady and influential presence in the locker room throughout their championship runs and beyond.
“With me, Klay [Thompson] and Draymond, we avoided the evils of the NBA and the transitions from year to year for a long time,”
Curry said, per the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Loon was part of that for a decade, instrumental to not only our championship runs but the culture around the locker room. Every young guy who came in, he gave big-brother vibes even though he was a little brother to us. He was a stable presence for everybody, and we’ll miss his voice and his presence. I’m glad he got paid and got what he earned.”
Looney’s on-court contributions and adaptability
Looney became a full-time starter during the 2021-22 season, participating in all 82 regular-season games and playing a key role in the Warriors’ playoff success. His defense proved crucial in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, where he exploited their weaknesses near the rim and maintained double-digit averages in points and rebounds. One standout performance came in Game 2 of that series, where Looney scored 21 points in a decisive victory.
Throughout his time with Golden State, Looney adapted to multiple roles without complaint, transitioning between starter and bench contributor as needed. His willingness to embrace varying responsibilities underlines his value beyond mere statistics.
The importance of veteran leadership amid team transitions
Kevon Looney’s presence extended beyond his playing ability; he served as a critical mentor to younger players joining the Warriors. His decade-long experience created a bridge between established stars like Curry and Green and the team’s emerging talent. Losing Looney following Klay Thompson’s 2023 exit leaves the Warriors without two foundational figures, compelling the franchise to navigate another phase of rebuilding and adjustment.
The departure of such a steady figure highlights the challenges Golden State will face in maintaining locker room stability and preserving the championship culture that Looney helped sustain.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What condition does Kevon Looney have?
A. For his age, Looney has faced a lot of injuries. He needed surgery to fix a torn labrum in his hip. He also deals with neuropathy, which impacts his limbs. This is quite unfortunate since he’s well-liked, has a strong basketball IQ, and puts in a lot of effort.
Q. Why is Kevon Looney wearing a mask?
A. According to the Warriors’ recent injury update, Kevon Looney broke his nose. Despite this, he will play against the Suns tomorrow with a protective face mask.