The Golden State Warriors roster is littered with future Hall of Fame talent. From Steph Curry to Draymond Green and now Chris Paul, Golden State has enjoyed an embarrassment of riches for over a decade. However, some role players can often get overlooked with so many elite players on the roster.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes noted how veteran big man Kevon Looney is among the most underrated players in the NBA, in no small part due to his presence on a roster teeming with All-Time greats. Looney is coming off an impressive season with the Warriors, where he participated in all 82 regular-season games and was present in all 13 playoff contests, too.
“It’s not just that Kevon Looney has more titles, two*, than any other active starting NBA center that makes him underrated,” Hughes wrote. “Any fair analysis of his game, ring count and impact must include the fact that he has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors surrounded by Hall of Fame talent.”
Looney has been with the Warriors since he was drafted with the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Throughout his eight-year tenure with Golden State, Looney has played a role on two championship-winning teams, with his most recent ring coming in 2022.
Only 4 players remain from the 2015-16 (73-9) warriors team
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Draymond green
Kevon Looney pic.twitter.com/nwLhkH28KU— LoonMuse (@KevonLooneyMuse) July 25, 2023
With two years remaining on his current $22.5 million contract, Looney could potentially enter free agency in 2025 with three championship rings to his name. Looney might not be a superstar big man or a borderline All-Star, but his style of play has helped the Warriors contend at the highest level throughout his career.
Some might underrate him, but it’s clear that Golden State knows what they have in Looney and may look to keep him around beyond his current deal.
