3. Kevon Looney’s unselfishness shines again
One of the biggest questions in the NBA this offseason — will Chris Paul start for the Warriors? Although Draymond Green’s ankle injury might push back the question for Steve Kerr, it’s long been speculated as a choice between Paul and Kevon Looney.
In what could transpire as an awkward situation, Warrior fans should have been happy with the response of both players when they were asked about their role on the team during media day.
For the first time, at least publicly, Paul referenced his success in coming off the bench for Team USA in the past. It wasn’t quite the 18-year veteran putting his hand up for a sixth man role, but his words appeared more comfortable and willing than what had been seen in the weeks following his acquisition.
Looney was unsurprisingly selfless, a trait that’s formulating as a real staple of himself as a player and key leader within the franchise. While he stood up for himself to an extent, the 27-year-old also understands the resumé of Paul and others around him.
"“I don’t care. I’ve played every role on this team — from starter, to bench, to not dressing, to whatever. I feel like I’ve worked hard enough to be a starter in this league, but when you got five other guys who have been in All-Star games, you’ve got to go with the flow and see what happens,” Looney said."
Looney could rightfully feel frustrated about his regular switching between starter and reserve, which included last season’s second-round playoff series that came immediately after he played an ultra-important role against Sacramento Kings’ center Domantas Sabonis. Yet he continues to be the ultimate professional — one the Warriors don’t necessarily deserve but most certainly need.