Dub Nation will be shouting out “LOOOOOOON” on Tuesday night when the Warriors celebrate their 2022 title before hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in the season opener.
Iron man Kevon Looney endeared himself to Warriors fans by playing all 104 games last season, in a year when they were deathly thin in the frontcourt. Though he had similar offers in free agency, Looney wants to keep playing in The Bay as long as he can.
Loon joined 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” live from Chase Center on Monday to discuss why he felt compelled to return to the Warriors.
“The fans show a lot of love to guys that have been drafted here, people that come here,” Looney said. “When you’re in a situation where you’re able to win, get minutes, and you’re able to get that fan love and the appreciation from the organization, it’s hard to leave. I had a lot of veterans come here and tell me, ‘Man, if you can stay here as long as possible, just do it.’ I’m trying to take their advice. It’s a great situation for me on and off the court. I just love being here.”
Golden State drafted Looney No. 30 overall in 2015 after winning their first title as part of this dynasty run. He became a rotation player for Steve Kerr in his fourth season and is now a three-time champ. The 26-year-old is about to start his eighth season with the franchise.
With all the scorers and stars on the Warriors, Looney is content just punching the clock every day and keeping his head down.
At one point during his conversation, Guru relayed a comment from a fan on YouTube, who nicknamed him, ‘The Big Reliable,’
“I like that,” Looney said of the nickname. “I embrace being a big man. I embrace all the dirty work. I embrace setting screens, I embrace getting rebounds and I take pride in that. To hear them call me that, see what I’m doing, it makes me happy.”
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