Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Warriors: Kevon Looney should be able to build on career year

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the media after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the media after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 05, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors were able to get the best out of Kevon Looney last season as their starting center played in all 82 games; however, after a terrific postseason run, another career year could be awaiting the former first-round pick.

Looney was basically the Warriors’ lone option for size last season. While Otto Porter Jr. did offer some help in rebounding, Looney and the injured second-year center James Wiseman were the only transitional fives on the roster.

The Golden State Warriors re-signed Kevon Looney to a three-year deal, and they should be expecting a career year from their starting center.

Looney stands 6-foot-9, so he doesn’t have a ton of height. Coming in at 222 pounds, Looney has enough size to set elite-level screens and also to be a force on the offensive glass, which was among the main reasons he was able to get a new, larger contract.

In just 21.1 minutes per game, which was a career-high average for Looney, he brought in 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 of which were on the offensive glass. He also averaged 6 points per game and just 2.6 fouls per game, the first of which was another career high.

While it feels like Looney has been around for quite some time, he’s just 26 years old and is still in the prime of his career.

Looney’s injury concerns appear to be behind him. In fewer minutes than during the regular season, Looney went from 7.3 rebounds up to 7.6 and also averaged 2.9 offensive boards per game in the postseason.

He hauled down 22 boards, 11 offensive, to beat the Grizzlies. Those types of performances are what got him the new contract, and there’s no reason to believe he’s destined to struggle this season.

If anything, he should be more comfortable in his role and should be able to produce at a similar rate, something the Warriors would be absolutely fine with considering what intangibles he brings to the table.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors in team history. dark

Looney is set for success again, and at just 26, the organization believing in him makes it seem like he could be up for another career high in minutes again.

Home/Warriors News