Kevon Looney made an emotional return to the Chase Center, now wearing the colors of the New Orleans Pelicans instead of the Golden State Warriors jersey he sported for a decade. This visit sparked a wave of nostalgia and provided a platform for Looney to address comments he made after leaving Golden State this offseason.
During a pregame press conference, Looney reflected on his earlier feelings that the Warriors had sidelined him towards the end of his stint, particularly as he no longer figured into coach Steve Kerr’s playoff rotations. However, he emphasized that his sentiments were not fueled by resentment.
“It wasn’t really difficult,” Looney asserted. He acknowledged the challenges of waiting for opportunities under Kerr’s strategically evolving lineups, which he understood were centered around winning. “He just wants to win. He puts the best lineups out there just to win games,” he explained. While it was frustrating for Looney as a competitor to not be contributing against familiar postseason adversaries, he expressed respect for Kerr’s decision-making process.
Looney shared that his desire to impact games often clashed with his role. “As a player, you see the matchups, and you just want something bad to get out there, to leave an impact,” he stated. Ultimately, he regarded the ten years he spent with the Warriors as filled with more positive memories than disappointments, noting, “It’s all love—those guys are like my family.”
After signing a two-year deal with the Pelicans in June, Looney is now stepping into a new chapter with a young team. His transition signifies new opportunities, but the legacy he built with the Warriors—grounded in relentless rebounding and leadership through three championship victories—will always remain a pivotal part of his career.
Looney’s heartfelt return highlights the bonds forged in sports and the complexities of player dynamics. As he embarks on this new journey with the Pelicans, his foundational experiences with the Warriors will undoubtedly inform his approach and continue to resonate with fans who remember him as a key contributor to Golden State’s success.