Three titles, ten seasons. The time of the Kevon Looney Warriors was unique.
The time of the Kevon Looney Warriors was unique in the annals of NBA history—not just for the championships, not just for the iconic players, but for the quiet, steady presence of a man who rarely made headlines yet consistently impacted the game in fundamental, deeply important ways. From 2015 to the mid-2020s, the Golden State Warriors forged a dynasty that combined revolutionary offensive schemes, selfless defense, and an enduring culture of unrelenting professionalism. Looney, though not a statistical monster or All-Star candidate, embodied the ethos that powered one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled.
Looney joined the Warriors as the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, a selection that raised few eyebrows at the time. His draft stock had dipped due to hip injuries, and his rookie year was mostly lost to surgery and rehabilitation. But even then, inside the locker room and in practices, it became evident that this young forward out of UCLA was something special—not flashy, not loud, but cerebral, adaptable, and quietly relentless. He didn’t demand touches. He didn’t need the ball. What Looney did was read the game, play with energy, and find the cracks where opportunity lay. He was, in every sense of the word, a connective tissue within the Warriors machine.
When people talk about the Warriors dynasty, they often begin with Stephen Curry, the franchise-changing superstar who redefined shooting and spacing in the modern NBA. They continue with Klay Thompson, the stoic sharpshooter who authored unforgettable playoff moments, and Draymond Green, the defensive genius and emotional heartbeat of the team. Then there’s Kevin Durant, who arrived and helped the team reach previously unimagined heights, and even Andre Iguodala, whose savvy and versatility gave the Warriors another dimension during their early title runs. In this pantheon of stars and legends, Looney’s name rarely comes up in casual conversation. And yet, when you dig deeper into the success of the Warriors across ten seasons, his fingerprints are everywhere.
Take, for instance, the 2018 and 2019 playoff runs. Durant was dominating offensively, Curry was dazzling with impossible shots, and Klay was locked in from deep. But when Steve Kerr needed someone to switch on defense, set solid screens, rebound with desperation, or stay within his lane without ever overreaching, it was Looney’s number that was called. He would guard guards on switches—often successfully—and rotate seamlessly on defense, always a step ahead. In many ways, he was a coach’s dream: someone who made all the right decisions, who sacrificed personal glory for team success, and who could be trusted in high-pressure, high-leverage moments.
Injuries could have derailed his career. He dealt with multiple hip surgeries, nerve damage, and even a collarbone fracture. Any one of these setbacks might have ended the career of a less-determined player. But Looney kept coming back. By the time the Warriors were forging their late-stage resurgence in the early 2020s, he had become one of the most dependable centers in the league—not because of overwhelming athleticism, but because of superior fundamentals and elite basketball IQ. When the Warriors shocked the world and captured the 2022 NBA championship against the Boston Celtics, Looney’s contribution wasn’t just a side note. He played pivotal minutes in every series, including multiple 20-rebound games, and offered the kind of defensive versatility that allowed Kerr to play small-ball without sacrificing interior presence.
What makes Looney’s tenure with the Warriors so compelling is the contrast between the noise of the modern NBA and the quiet professionalism he represented. In an era of superteams, social media spats, and player movement, Looney stayed with one franchise, never complained about his role, and always put the team first. He was, in a way, the culture keeper—someone who bridged the different generations of Warriors basketball. From the early Kerr years with the “Strength in Numbers” mantra, through the Durant years, and then into the post-Durant transition and eventual return to contention, Looney was always there. Not as the face of the team, but as its spine.
Across ten seasons, the Warriors won three titles—2017, 2018, and 2022—and made multiple Finals appearances. They had years of invincibility, but they also had years of struggle. The 2019-20 season, for instance, was a low point, with Curry out most of the year, Klay recovering from an ACL injury, and Durant gone to Brooklyn. That year, the Warriors finished with the worst record in the NBA. Looney was battling injuries of his own, but when the franchise began its slow climb back to relevance, he was a crucial component. His development as a passer from the high post and a pick-and-roll partner for Curry and Jordan Poole gave the offense another layer. By the time the team was back atop the mountain in 2022, Looney was no longer just a complementary piece. He was essential.
One of the defining aspects of the Warriors’ system under Kerr has been the read-and-react offense that relies on high-IQ decision-making, rapid ball movement, and unselfishness. Looney fit this system to perfection. Whether he was setting a screen and slipping into open space, making the extra pass from the elbow, or relocating to box out on the weak side, he did all the things that don’t show up in highlight reels but win basketball games. His feel for spacing allowed Curry and Thompson to get free. His willingness to do the dirty work empowered stars to shine. And his durability, especially later in his career when he played all 82 games in a season, was a testament to his professionalism and work ethic.
Fans may remember Looney most for his rebounding. While he was never the tallest or the most explosive player on the court, he had a preternatural ability to track the ball and secure possession. He outworked bigger players, used angles intelligently, and had impeccable timing. In the 2022 playoffs, he grabbed 22 rebounds in a crucial Game 6 against Memphis and 21 more in Game 6 against Dallas. These weren’t just numbers—they were momentum-shifting plays that kept possessions alive, demoralized opponents, and showcased the value of effort. In a sport often dominated by highlights, Looney reminded everyone of the power of substance.
There’s a moment often referenced by Warriors players and fans alike. In the 2022 Western Conference Finals, after another monster rebounding night, Draymond Green turned to reporters and said, “Loon is a warrior in every sense of the word.” Coming from Green, who demands accountability and excellence, that wasn’t just a compliment—it was a validation. Looney had earned his place not just as a role player but as a pillar of the team.
As the years went on, the Warriors began transitioning again. Thompson aged, Green’s fire sometimes sparked too hot, and Curry, though still otherworldly, carried more responsibility. Younger players cycled in—Poole, Kuminga, Moody—and veterans like Chris Paul and Dario Šarić came through for a stint. But Looney remained a consistent presence, a stabilizer during a time of flux. His mentorship of younger bigs and his willingness to accept any role—starter or bench contributor—made him a valuable asset beyond just on-court performance. He showed by example what it meant to prepare, to sacrifice, and to execute.
Looney’s relationship with Steve Kerr also deserves recognition. Kerr often called Looney one of his favorite players to coach, precisely because he was so coachable. He absorbed information quickly, adjusted in real time, and played with a poise that belied the chaos of the game around him. That trust paid dividends, particularly in the playoffs, where matchups often required adaptability and discipline. Kerr didn’t hesitate to ride Looney for heavy minutes when the situation demanded it, knowing that he’d deliver exactly what the team needed.
Perhaps the most compelling narrative thread of Looney’s career with the Warriors was how seamlessly he aligned with their values. While the NBA was changing around them—with an increasing emphasis on spacing, pace, and perimeter skill—the Warriors always emphasized character, cohesion, and a commitment to team basketball. Looney exemplified that philosophy. He didn’t hunt for his own stats. He didn’t seek personal recognition. He simply showed up, did his job, and in doing so, helped define an era.
When the story of the Warriors’ decade-long run is eventually told in full, the spotlight will inevitably shine brightest on Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant. That’s understandable—they are, after all, generational talents who redefined the game in various ways. But nestled among the chapters of record-breaking wins, Finals appearances, and championship parades will be the story of Kevon Looney, the unsung hero who did all the little things that added up to greatness. His contribution may not have filled headlines, but it filled a gap—one that few could, and fewer did, over such a sustained period.
Three titles in ten years is a remarkable feat, made even more remarkable by the consistency of a supporting cast member who never wavered. In an NBA era defined by movement and change, Looney was a rock. He played his role with dignity, evolved his game as needed, and earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. He may never make the Hall of Fame, but in the annals of Warriors history—and in the hearts of those who watched him work—he will always be remembered as a cornerstone. Not the flashiest. Not the loudest. But absolutely essential.
