Wiseman’s absence hands center job to healthy Looney
With James Wiseman still out after testing positive for the coronavirus, Kevon Looney is the frontrunner to start for the Warriors at center in Saturday’s preseason opener against Denver at Chase Center.
“He’s feeling excellent,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said of Looney, who was limited to 20 of a possible 65 games last season because of injury. “That’s a huge sign for us, to have somebody who we know we can count on in a big situation.”
Looney, 24, has been with the Warriors’ starters during scrimmages the first three days
of team practices. With no clear timetable for Wiseman and Draymond Green to return from their positive coronavirus tests, Looney is making a case to be the team’s firststring center for the foreseeable future.
Seven months removed from surgery that repaired a coremuscle injury, he is moving without hesitation and making the plays — putbacks, screens, dives for loose balls — that once compelled Kerr to call Looney a “foundational piece of the organization.” This is a big development considering that Looney struggled to even stay on the court last season.
As Looney dealt with a neuropathic condition in his body, left hip soreness and left abdominal soreness, he was forced to watch more than half of the Warriors’ games from the sideline. When he did play, he looked out of sorts, averaging 3.4 points on 36.7% shooting, 3.3 rebounds and 1 assist in 13.1 minutes per game.
If Looney can continue to return to his reliable ways, he would take some pressure off Wiseman, who has watched the Warriors’ past two practices from a balcony overlooking the court. Given that he is just 19 and hasn’t played a competitive game in more than a year, Wiseman figured to face a steep learning curve at training camp even before he tested positive.
Now, after finishing a 10to 12day selfquarantine, he must return two negative tests before he can rejoin the group. If Wiseman’s absence lingers much longer, he could have a tough time finding necessary practice reps.
Kerr tends to limit group workouts inseason. After preseason games Saturday, Tuesday and next Thursday, the Warriors will begin preparing for their regularseason opener Dec. 22 at Brooklyn.
With Wiseman out, Looney and Marquese Chriss are Golden State’s only two true centers available. Forward Alen Smailagic, a developmental project who’s at least a year away from contributing meaningful rotation minutes, also can play center if necessary.
Though Looney is pleased to be feeling back to normal, he isn’t focused on holding onto the starting center job longterm. This is someone who figures to contribute significant minutes regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
“We’re fine at the five,” Kerr said. “We’ve got two very capable players. And then once those guys are back, we’ll have a lot of options.”
In recent months, the Warriors have encouraged Looney to shoot more 3pointers in hopes of spacing the floor for wings and guards. Looney, who has attempted only 40 3pointers ( making six) in his five NBA seasons, has shown a knack for knocking down corner 3pointers in practice and is optimistic that will translate to games.
“I feel great,” Looney said. “It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time.”