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Golden State Warriors: Power ranking all 15 members of the 2018-19 roster

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 25: Kevon Looney
OAKLAND, CA – MARCH 25: Kevon Looney /

Kevon Looney

Coming in at No. 10, Looney ranks a lot higher now than he would have at this time a year ago.  In the 2016-17 season, Looney struggled to find playing time and was hampered by multiple surgeries.

In the 2017 off-season, however, a newly-determined Looney went on a diet and lost 30 pounds.  A slimmed-down, more-fit version of Kevon Looney showed up for the 2017-18 season. Even with the Warriors having six centers on the roster, Looney was able to prove his worth in the playoffs.

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In the first round against the Spurs, Looney admirably guarded LaMarcus Aldridge and the Spurs’ guards, leading Kerr to play Looney more minutes than any other center in that series.

In the second round, Looney did similar work against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans’ guards.  It was becoming clear that Kevon could not only hold his own against elite big men but also possessed the quick footwork necessary to stay in front of speedy guards on the perimeter.

Those skills became invaluable in the Conference Finals against the Rockets, as Looney was named the starting center for the final four games of the pivotal series.  Despite the Rockets actively hunting out mismatches with Looney, he did a decent job staying in front of James Harden and Chris Paul.

The Warriors won the series in seven, and Looney’s value to the team was more obvious now than ever before.

What he lacks in offense, he makes up for with his quick feet on defense and ability to set solid screens.  With the 2018-19 season looming, Looney is set to play big minutes, ready to compete with Jordan Bell for the starting center position.

And with all he’s done in the past year, he’s earned it. -CF

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