Kevon Looney's Return to Chase Center: A Nostalgic Homecoming for the Beloved Warrior.
Former Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney is finally back at his old stomping ground, chasing Center. The 6-foot-9 big man, now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, stepped onto the court Saturday afternoon in a visit to the team he loved and was adored by for nearly a decade.
As Looney navigated the glitzy arena's winding halls, his mind wandered back to memories that still linger vividly. For him, the experience was bittersweet - a nostalgic return to a place where he had forged an unbreakable bond with teammates and fans alike. "I thought I knew the Chase Center like the back of my hand," Looney confessed. "But I didn’t know where I was going, going to the other side." This familiarity is precisely what has made his time away from the Warriors so jarring.
During his 11-year tenure with the team, Looney evolved into an iron man, playing in 289 consecutive games and establishing himself as a dependable option at center. Despite facing injuries that derailed some seasons, he consistently proved himself to be a trusted force on both ends of the court, providing a stabilizing presence for younger teammates like Brandin Podziemski.
When asked about his legacy, Looney wanted to emphasize the little things he did for others - "not complaining about anything." He does all of those little things without ego, making him easy to follow. For someone who's done it all and earned a reputation as a beloved locker room presence, this selflessness is what truly defines him.
On the court, Looney blossomed into a rebounding machine during his Warriors tenure, first earning significant postseason minutes in 2018 with a team that included Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant. It was here where he began building an indelible mark on the organization - one that extends far beyond what he achieved as a player.
In the years since his departure, Looney found himself thrust into the role of mentor for young players like Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, welcoming newcomers to the team's locker room and pro game. When asked about his experience with these younger teammates, Post, who was acquired mid-season in 2022, said that there is no ego involved when Looney does "all of the little things."
As much as Looney remains a cherished figure among Warriors fans, his departure represented an era for the team - one marked by change and transition. His decision to sign with the Pelicans, while unexpected, has given him a chance to reboot and find himself in a new community.
Despite struggling to regain his footing in New Orleans this season, Looney is embracing his time there, highlighting Southern hospitality as "a real thing" and already starting to build connections within the local community. For a former Warrior who's still so deeply loved by the team that once gave him so much, it's clear that his love for the game extends far beyond any personal accolades.
Looney, though struggling to regain his form with the Pelicans, is still cherished as a member of the Warriors' family - an organization whose values and memories will forever be intertwined with his own.
Former Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney is finally back at his old stomping ground, chasing Center. The 6-foot-9 big man, now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, stepped onto the court Saturday afternoon in a visit to the team he loved and was adored by for nearly a decade.
As Looney navigated the glitzy arena's winding halls, his mind wandered back to memories that still linger vividly. For him, the experience was bittersweet - a nostalgic return to a place where he had forged an unbreakable bond with teammates and fans alike. "I thought I knew the Chase Center like the back of my hand," Looney confessed. "But I didn’t know where I was going, going to the other side." This familiarity is precisely what has made his time away from the Warriors so jarring.
During his 11-year tenure with the team, Looney evolved into an iron man, playing in 289 consecutive games and establishing himself as a dependable option at center. Despite facing injuries that derailed some seasons, he consistently proved himself to be a trusted force on both ends of the court, providing a stabilizing presence for younger teammates like Brandin Podziemski.
When asked about his legacy, Looney wanted to emphasize the little things he did for others - "not complaining about anything." He does all of those little things without ego, making him easy to follow. For someone who's done it all and earned a reputation as a beloved locker room presence, this selflessness is what truly defines him.
On the court, Looney blossomed into a rebounding machine during his Warriors tenure, first earning significant postseason minutes in 2018 with a team that included Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant. It was here where he began building an indelible mark on the organization - one that extends far beyond what he achieved as a player.
In the years since his departure, Looney found himself thrust into the role of mentor for young players like Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, welcoming newcomers to the team's locker room and pro game. When asked about his experience with these younger teammates, Post, who was acquired mid-season in 2022, said that there is no ego involved when Looney does "all of the little things."
As much as Looney remains a cherished figure among Warriors fans, his departure represented an era for the team - one marked by change and transition. His decision to sign with the Pelicans, while unexpected, has given him a chance to reboot and find himself in a new community.
Despite struggling to regain his footing in New Orleans this season, Looney is embracing his time there, highlighting Southern hospitality as "a real thing" and already starting to build connections within the local community. For a former Warrior who's still so deeply loved by the team that once gave him so much, it's clear that his love for the game extends far beyond any personal accolades.
Looney, though struggling to regain his form with the Pelicans, is still cherished as a member of the Warriors' family - an organization whose values and memories will forever be intertwined with his own.