The Golden State Warriors moved a total of six players at the NBA trade deadline, essentially turning their roster upside down. Even with players changing teams, Golden State’s injury bug remained with the team.
After balancing his new rotation over the past two games, Steve Kerr could be without one of his veterans in the Warriors’ final game before the NBA All-Star break.
Center Kevon Looney is listed as questionable against the Phoenix Suns. After signing a new deal to stay with the Warriors over the offseason, Looney has had an injury-hampered year.
Kevon Looney questionable against the Suns tomorrow with hip soreness.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 11, 2020
The UCLA product has missed 35 games due to a neuropathic condition and an abdomen injury. Now, the Golden State big man could be out with hip soreness against the Suns.
However, if Looney cannot go against the Suns, there’s an opportunity for more Marquese Chriss minutes. Chriss has taken a bulk of the center minutes since the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein, and the former Washington Husky has thrived.
The 22-year-old center has scored in double-figures in eight of his last ten games, including 26 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. In his previous two games, Chriss has grabbed nine rebounds in each contest. Chriss has also registered at least one block in six consecutive games.
If Looney doesn’t suit up against the Suns, Draymond Green could get more time at center with Eric Paschall sliding into more of a power forward role. Behind Chriss and Green, rookie Alen Smailagic could pick up the rest of the pieces inside the Warriors frontcourt.