The Golden State Warriors face a difficult situation with forward/center Kevon Looney coming into this season. The soon-to-be third-year pro has had very limited playing time during his first two seasons, mostly due to his injury history since coming into the league.
Among the three youngest big men to come off the bench, Looney figures to be the one playing the least amount of minutes, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, with Jordan Bell getting the most and Damian Jones a close second.
Bell impressed in workouts and during the Summer League, making him a player the organization would like to develop as soon as possible and integrate him as a vital part of the rotation. Jones had very few stints with the Warriors last season, playing mostly with the team's G-League affiliate Santa Cruz for the majority of time — but the 7-footer boasts excellent defensive instincts — a must when it comes to Golden State's farm system.
Looney figures to be the odd man out, failing to make any part of his game really stand out and according to Slater, he could be on his way out of Golden State by next season, if not before.
“If his contract wasn't guaranteed next year, it's possible the Warriors would've let him go this summer,” wrote Slater. “If there's a willing buyer, it's possible they ship him elsewhere. But if they don't and if Looney sticks around through camp, the Warriors have to decide whether they want to pick up his fourth-year player option before the season. If they don't, that'll be a clear hint that they no longer view him as a future piece.”
The Warriors have hit home runs with their draft prospect for the last few years, but Looney can be one of the few exceptions, and unless he makes some long strides in his game, it's very possible that his time in The Bay has come to an end.
Follow Us
Subscribe