In an interview with The Athletic, Steve Kerr went back quite a bit on the details of the Warriors roster next season. And among the many things revealed to us by the Golden State coach, we were able to note in particular that Kevon Looney would indeed be maintained in the rank of post 5 holder. Bravo sir, it is fully deserved.
That was one of the questions Warriors fans could ask themselves heading into the 2022-23 season. Back in great shape after a start to his career hampered by injuries, could James Wiseman claim the title of starter instead of Kevon Looney? A question to which Steve Kerr, interviewed by Anthony Slater of The Athleticvery quickly provided a rather clear answer:
“Loon will come back as a starter, he deserves it and even more. We’re all super happy he’s back. We were really afraid of losing him. To see him come back is huge for our team. It will allow him to continue what he did for us last year. By doing this he is also a super mentor for James [Wiseman, NDLR]. »
Well, that has the merit of being clear, and we still appreciate the class of the Warriors coach, who does not hesitate to praise one of his – if not his – greatest soldier. It must be said that this main pivot spot, Kevon fully deserves it. In this ultra small ball where he could, like many before him, not find his place, the native of Milwaukee knew how to adapt, until becoming an essential cog in the Warriors machine. In the Playoffs in particular, the latter did his job to perfection. In just 20 minutes per game, he was shooting 5.8 points and 7.6 rebounds on 66 percent shooting. Certainly, the statistical production may seem ridiculous, but it is actually just what this team needed in this position. We remember in particular very important performances, like this Game 6 with 22 rebounds – including many decisive at the end of the match – against Memphis to close the deal, where the series in almost 11/11 against Dallas. A contribution such as Steve Kerr has also integrated Looney into what he now calls the “fundamental six”.
Steve Kerr added Kevon Looney, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole to the established trio, calling them the “foundational six.”
“It feels like we’ve got our groove back. We’ll have Klay back for a full season. Our foundation in place.”
With @anthonyVslater: https://t.co/OikbWZjgoi pic.twitter.com/ynm5bGGWAi
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) August 2, 2022
As also explained by the head coach, it was more than important for Golden State to succeed in bringing back Kevon Looney next season. Arrived at the end of his contract this summer, the latter could indeed legitimately attract several franchises. But it is for an amount of 25.5 million dollars that the latter decided to extend to the Warriors over three years. A real relief for the front office of the Bay, which will therefore keep its rebounder-defender-hustler. To only 26 years old, the boy is therefore still a little more durable as an important figure in the future of the franchise, also represented by Jordan Poole or Andrew Wiggins. Drafted in 2015 by the Warriors, Kevon has not only become one of the darlings of the public, he has also continued to progress, especially in his finishing qualities or his placement. We recognize Steve Kerr’s paw, but we obviously have to give credit to the one who has never grumbled about his role and gives himself every night on the pitch to bring his stone to the building. He’ll never be Golden State’s star, but without him the franchise probably couldn’t have won the NBA title this year, and there’s nothing crazy in saying that.
Kevon Looney will therefore keep the starting spot which he had enjoyed in 80 of the 82 games – he is one of five players to have not missed a game – of the 2021-22 regular season. Pure soldier, pure guy, pure teammate, “Loon” enjoys the full confidence of Steve Kerr and the staff of the Warriors. And frankly, we can only agree with this decision.
Source texte : The Athletic
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