Kevon Looney: Warriors training camp profile

Share

The Bulls did it twice, with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen leading the way. The Lakers accomplished it once, behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. In the 42 seasons since the NBA-ABA merger, those are the only franchises to win three consecutive NBA Finals.

When the Warriors come together for training camp on Sept. 25, their goal is to become the third.

Here is a look at those players with guaranteed roster spots.

12TH IN A SERIES:

Player: Kevon Looney
Position: Center/forward
Height/weight: 6-9, 220
College: UCLA
Age: 22
Salary: $1.57M (one-year minimum deal, guaranteed, per Spotrac)
NBA 2K Player Rating: 71

2017-18 in review: The Warriors had no idea what to expect from Looney, who spent his first two seasons fighting through multiple hip surgeries. But he used his first fully healthy summer to grind himself into terrific shape. The result was the youngest player on the roster coming in and, over the course of the season, proving he is capable of playing of big minutes at significant times. The uncertainty has faded. Looney is an NBA player.

Key stats: 66 gams (four starts), averaging 4.0 points (58.0 percent FG, 54.5 percent FT), 3.3 rebounds, 13.8 minutes.

Season highs: Points (13), rebounds (11), blocks (six), assists (three), minutes (30).

2018-19 outlook: With new acquisition DeMarcus Cousins expected to rehab well into the regular season, there is open competition at center that includes Looney. Though he’s likely to earn some starts at center, he’s more likely to be used as a reserve big man in a small lineup. His offense has been spotty, but there is reason to anticipate improvement. He’s smart and operates well within the team’s switching defensive schemes, gaining the trust of his teammates. As long as he is healthy, though, Looney will get minutes.

Contact Us