OAKLAND — The constant evolution of the Warriors’ frontcourt took its latest turn when Jordan Bell returned from an injured ankle last week. Bell’s return has had the biggest effect on third-year forward Kevon Looney.
As coach Steve Kerr continues to tinker with a center rotation that has consisted of Zaza Pachulia, JaVale McGee, David West and Bell, Looney has found himself in the familiar place of uncertainty.
“We all just sort of know,” Looney said. “I watched a lot of guys go through the same stuff, so now it’s just my turn.”
Uncertainty has been commonplace for Looney throughout his NBA career. Seven months into his rookie season, Looney underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip, his second in a span of a year. Over his first two seasons, the UCLA product played only 58 of a possible 164 regular-season games.
In July, Looney traveled back to Los Angeles and trained with former UCLA Bruin Rico Hines. Out of shape from various injuries and a lack of playing time, Looney struggled during his first week back on campus. Tucked in the second floor inside of school’s Student Activities Center, Hines ran Looney through a gauntlet of full-court pick-and-roll drills. During his first week, Looney routinely crumpled over after the 45-minute running sessions.
“He was tired, man,” Hines said. “I wanted to push him to exhaustion and then work from when he was tired.”
After the workout with Hines, Looney played against a who’s who of NBA talent, including Houston Rockets stars James Harden and Chris Paul, and Oklahoma City forward Paul George. Two months later, Looney began to turn a corner, shedding more than 30 pounds to take excess weight off his surgically repaired hips. He came into training camp in the best condition of his career.
“He had a really good summer,” Hines said. “He worked his butt off. He was rebounding, he was blocking shots, he was rotating. I was so proud of him because he worked really hard.”
Despite the Warriors’ situation a center, Looney has flourished in spot minutes. His best game was nine points and five rebounds in an Oct. 28 win over the Washington Wizards, following Draymond Green’s ejection.
Three days later, Kerr and Warriors general manager Bob Myers took Looney aside before a 141-113 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, informing him that they decided not to exercise Looney’s fourth-year option, in an effort to ease the luxury tax burden this summer.
Despite the decision, the Warriors remain enamored by Looney’s ability to switch on defense, his activity around the rim and overall basketball IQ.
For Looney’s part, the Milwaukee native played well in Bell’s absence, averaging 2.8 points on 56-percent shooting in 12 minutes of action, including an eight-point, four-rebound performance against the New York Knicks on Jan. 23.
“Coach always talks about how your matchup is going to come,” Looney said. “So you gotta wait your turn. (Kerr) always comes back to you, he always gives you another chance.”
Said Kerr: “Looney will not be inactive every game. I want to get him back out there. He’s an important part of our team.”
With Looney set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Warriors might have been set to put Looney in familiar territory.
Still, Looney isn’t worried.
“That motto of our team has always been ‘Strength In Numbers,’ ” Looney said. “I know my chance is going to come.”