A familiar face returned to the Bay, but this time, he walked through a different tunnel.
SAN FRANCISCO – For 11 seasons, Kevon Looney knew every corner of the Chase Center like it was his second home. Yet, when he made his way through the glimmering halls on Saturday afternoon, it felt strange. For the first time, the beloved former Warrior was there not as a member of Golden State, but as a visiting Pelican.
“I thought I had this place completely figured out,” Looney joked. “Turns out, when you’re walking on the visitor’s side, it all looks different.”
That might be true for him, but for the Warriors organization and its fans, Looney’s presence remains deeply familiar – and deeply missed.
The Making of a Warrior
Drafted 30th overall out of UCLA in 2015 by the reigning champions, Looney entered the league with question marks about his durability. Over time, he silenced critics with an ironman streak of 289 straight appearances, a reputation for relentless defense, and an unshakable work ethic. The 6-foot-9 center grew from a quiet rookie into one of the franchise’s most dependable players on and off the floor.
His transformation was evident during the 2018 championship run alongside Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant. That postseason, he emerged as a key rebounder and energy player, the type who turned overlooked plays into winning moments.
“Every time I step in here, the memories flood back,” Looney reflected. “I want people to remember me as tough, consistent, the kind of guy who showed up every night without excuses.”
Heart of a Champion
By the time Golden State retooled its roster a few seasons later, Looney had evolved into a cornerstone of Steve Kerr’s rotation. In the 2022 playoffs, he etched his name into Warriors lore with 22 rebounds in the Memphis semifinal clincher and another 18 against Dallas to propel his team to yet another title.
Kerr praised Looney not only for his play but for the culture he helped build: “It goes far beyond his stats. His maturity and leadership elevated the entire locker room. He set a tone for professionalism that everyone respected.”
Though his career averages of 5.0 points and 5.7 rebounds may seem modest, teammates insist those numbers barely scratch the surface of his influence.
Mentor in the Locker Room
Looney became the go-to mentor for rising players learning how to navigate the pressures of NBA life. Guards, wings, and bigs alike found a confidant in him – including Milwaukee native Brandin Podziemski, who credits Looney as a guiding force.
“He’s like an older brother,” Podziemski said. “Seeing him on another team is weird, but he’s taught me so much on and off the court. I owe him a lot.”
Even as Golden State brought in new frontcourt talent, Looney never treated them as rivals. Players like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post remember him as the first to offer guidance, advice, and genuine encouragement.
“He does all the little things right without any ego,” Post said. “That kind of humility makes you want to follow his lead.”
Looney cherished that mentorship role. “You hope you’re doing things the right way, but it hits differently when younger guys thank you behind your back,” he said. “That’s what keeps the culture strong.”
A Sudden Change of Chapter
In an age of constant trades and team switches, Looney seemed destined to join the rare group of players who spend their entire careers with one franchise. But basketball rarely guarantees permanence.
After a summer filled with uncertainty around Jonathan Kuminga’s contract situation, Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. “No hard feelings at all,” Looney said. “Ten years of great memories — that’s family for life.”
Unfortunately, injuries and a crowded rotation have limited his minutes early in the season. Having missed the first five games due to a knee issue, Looney has appeared in only a handful of contests since, and none during the Warriors’ November 16th matchup in New Orleans.
New City, Same Spirit
Still, he remains determined to embrace his new environment with the same heart he showed in Golden State. “The food, the people, the warmth — New Orleans has been amazing,” he said. “I’m starting to really get involved in the community too. It feels good to build something new.”
Even so, no matter where he plays, Looney’s identity as a Warrior endures. “I had some extra butterflies tonight,” he admitted about facing his former team. “It’s just different when it’s home.”
Other Game Notes
The Warriors confirmed that both Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II were cleared to play on Saturday, with Kuminga returning after a seven-game absence from knee soreness. Meanwhile, guard De’Anthony Melton, recovering from an ACL injury, is expected to be activated in the coming week.
But here’s where the story sparks a debate: Should teams make more room for loyal veterans like Looney who define their culture, even when rebuilding? Or is the business side of the NBA too unforgiving for sentimental loyalty? What do you think — did the Warriors let go of a true heart of the team too soon?
