Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have led all the headlines when it comes to the Golden State Warriors injury troubles, yet they’ve been without an impactful member of their frontcourt for 38 games as well.
After signing a three-year, $15 million deal over the offseason, Kevon Looney was slated to play a significant role for Golden State in the 2019-20 season. However, a mix of injuries has defined the first half of his season.
A neuropathic condition and an abdomen strain have kept Looney’s name on the injury report, but there’s a chance the big-man could be returning to Steve Kerr’s rotation shortly.
According to Conor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, Looney recently practiced fully, and the hope is he returns to the court soon.
Kevon Looney practiced fully today. The hope is he’ll return at some point on this trip.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) January 29, 2020
Golden State is currently on a five-game road swing, that will take them up and down the east coast before returning to the Bay Area to host the Los Angeles Lakers. Looney was spotted getting up shots before the Warriors took the floor in Philadelphia on the first game of the trip.
Kevon Looney getting shots up in Philly before anyone gets on the court. Great to see. pic.twitter.com/Cdc5x1dOzz
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) January 28, 2020
Without Looney, Omari Spellman and Marquese Chriss have received a bulk of the frontcourt minutes since the trade of Willie Cauley-Stein. Looney’s injuries have also opened the door for the arrival of Serbian rookie, Alen Smailagic.
A bottom record in the standings and development of their younger bigs has taken the pressure off Golden State to rush back Looney on his recovery. Although Looney could be close to returning, the Warriors could be patient with him until he’s fully healthy.