Dub Nation tribute to Kevon Looney

This Thanksgiving weekend, the Chase Center felt like a throwback family reunion Kevon Looney. The interior, which has signed with the Pelicans this summer, played his first game in Golden State since his departure.

Kevon Looney spent the first ten seasons of his NBA career with the Warriors, winning three titles and becoming a crowd favorite. As is often the case in these circumstances, Golden State did things well. Each fan received a pin with the image of the former Warrior, with his nickname “Loon”. Supporter messages for the pivot were shown on a giant screen during warm-ups, before a tribute video was played during the introductions of both teams.

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As Steve Kerr predicted before Golden State’s complicated winThe Chase Center became one to celebrate Kevon Looney. “I know exactly how our fans will welcome him. the Warriors coach predicted. “Ten seasons with us, our fans know the impact he’s had on and off the pitch. He’s been a crowd favorite and I can’t wait to see him get the standing ovation he so richly deserves.”

His former teammates were equally delighted to see him again. Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Cumminga and several members of the Warriors staff came to give him a warm greeting before the game. With a smile on his face, Kevon Looney took advantage of all these moments throughout the evening.

“I have so many memories here. I was happy to see everyone again, to play in front of the Warriors fans again,” he shared. “I continue to receive many messages of support from Golden State fans across the United States and even around the world.”

Locker room mentor

Andre Iguodala, seen in a deep argument with Looney outside the Pelicans locker room, also went to witness his former partner’s return. It was a complete transfer from one generation of Warriors to another that was visible last night. A veteran respected by Moody, Podziemski, Post and others, Looney was in their position when he arrived in Golden State.

“When I came into the league, a lot of players helped me and I just tried to continue that tradition.” he said with humility. “You don’t really know if you bring anything to them, but when you hear their testimony today, it’s something that touches me and makes me happy. I hope they do the same with the new Warriors.”

Kevon Looney’s impact in Golden State is undeniable. If Stephen Curry and Draymond Green make the headlines, Steve Kerr has often described Looney as one of the most important elements of the group in recent seasons. He was a smart guy in the locker room. His presence, his maturity, his professionalism, the way he sets the tone for everyone, he’s an exceptional teammate. Kerr continued.

“Golden Boy”

Ron Adams, Steve Kerr’s assistant who spent more than 30 years on the NBA bench, was also full of praise for the former UCLA resident.

“Kevon is a golden boy. From the outside, I think it’s hard to understand his impact, but in the last seasons with us, he was our best leader.” he recalled. “He leads by example, he doesn’t have to say much, but he has influenced a lot of players on our team. He played injured in several important games for us and was often decisive. It is rare enough to be mentioned. He is one of the players I have the most respect in my entire coaching career in the NBA.”

Kevon Looney’s career with the Warriors has been full of ups and downs. Between titles, injuries, games with more than 20 rebounds, he experienced it all in Golden State. Now in New Orleans, where he signed a more lucrative contract, Looney hasn’t played much since Willie Green was fired.

In the last eight matches, he had five “failures”. James Borrego still got him into the game in the first half, and Looney was even, grabbing two offensive rebounds in five minutes to play. However, he continued to play a mentor role for rookie Derrick Quinn and second-year center Yves Mission.

Looney is still part of the family

If it will be difficult for him to leave the same mark in New Orleans as he did in Golden State, Kevon Looney is content to leave his mark in Warriors history.

“I want to be remembered as a tough player, a player who was ready to fight every night, a player who never complained no matter what was asked of him.” he explains.

That’s how he earned the respect of Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and other Golden State executives, before becoming one during the title run in 2022. Even if he couldn’t achieve his dream of finishing his career playing for just one team, he knows the bonds he made with his former teammates and fans go beyond the court.

“Absolutely no hard feelings. These guys are like family to me.”

Comments collected in San Francisco.