The Golden State Warriors' depth at the center position took a massive hit this summer, even after taking their acquisition of 2024 NBA champion ex-Boston Celtics floor-spacer Al Horford into account.
Golden State's frontcourt rotation was depleted after their 10-year veteran big man and 3-time NBA champion role player Kevon Looney left the franchise for the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent, netting a two-year, $16 million contract in the process.
Looney's decision to depart after assisting with the creation of the Warriors' recent dynastic run was a tough blow, but the skilled rebounding center was given an equally as defeating injury diagnosis Wednesday, one which will cause him to miss the beginning of his debut campaign with New Orleans.
"Pelicans announce that Kevon Looney has been diagnosed with a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee," the Pelicans shared via X on Wednesday evening.
"The injury occurred during the Pelicans’ preseason game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Oct. 5. Looney will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks and further updates will be provided as appropriate."
After re-joining his former Warriors teammate Jordan Poole as new members of the Pelicans this past offseason, it appears that there will be a slight delay until the pair of 2022 NBA champions hit the floor as teammates for another regular season outing.
In his final season as a Warrior in 2024-25, Looney contributed 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.4% from the field and appearing in 76 contests.
Looney's impact on three of Golden State's championship runs will forever be remembered by those within the organization, and now he'll have to wait before attempting to create a winning culture in New Orleans.
More NBA: Celtics cut ties with 3 players, including former Duke star and 2 Baylor Bears