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The Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship last season. It’s clear the Warriors have the firepower to make a run at another title. Unlike most teams, the Warriors had a quiet offseason. With Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green returning, it’s hard to complain.
The only big splash the Warriors made came in the draft. With the 30th pick in the draft, the Warriors selected Kevon Looney. The UCLA product has the tools to become a special player. Many people had Looney as a lottery pick. Looney’s stock dropped as many people were concerned with his injured hip.
As a freshman with the Bruins, he averaged 11.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Looney was also an efficient shooter (42 percent) in his limited looks from three-point range. Looney averaged an incredible 3.4 offensive rebounds a game. The 19-year-old was named to the Second team All-Pac-12 and to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.
What makes Looney an intriguing player is that he can play either forward spot. He is 6-foot-9 with a smooth handle and a solid playmaker. The problem with Looney is his aggressiveness on offense. Looney can score in a variety of ways, but at times he looks tentative. Looney must continue to put on weight to his body so he can bang inside the paint.
This season, Looney won’t get many minutes with the Warriors unless there are injuries. With David Lee gone, there’s a realistic possibility that Looney could get quality minutes as soon as next year.
Don’t expect much from Looney this season, as he will probably be in the D-League throughout the year. Be patient — after all, he is only 19 years old.
George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers/NBA beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
