Why Looney won’t ‘complain or cry’ about falling out of Dubs rotation

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Why Looney won’t ‘complain or cry’ about falling out of Dubs rotation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With six weeks remaining for the Warriors to escape the grip of mediocrity, Steve Kerr realized he had to make a change. Time for a new starting lineup and, for the first time in ages, rotations that excluded Kevon Looney.

There is discomfort in telling a veteran who last season led the NBA in offensive rebounds and had played in 289 consecutive games that he would be moving to the far end of the bench. There was comfort in knowing Looney, a rational man with impeccable character, would take the news in stride. He did. Two weeks later, he still does.

“It’s all about winning here,” Looney told NBC Sports Bay Area on Tuesday. “It’s been all about winning since I’ve been here, and I’ve seen a lot of guys making sacrifices, guys that are better than me. So, who would I be to complain or cry and not carry on the tradition of being a great teammate?

“I feel like that’s my job. I’m going to keep doing that and when the time comes that Steve needs me to go out there and play again, I’m going to go out there and try to play at the highest level I can.”

Looney said this with his chin held high and a smile, courtesy of his friends at Invisalign, that radiated peace and pride. As Kerr and his teammates would expect.

“I think Loon has set a tone for us for years regarding unselfishness and commitment to the team,” Kerr, citing Golden State’s positive team chemistry, said after making the change. “He’s crucial for that.”

Looney saw a struggling team and was willing to do what was asked, particularly if it benefited the Warriors. After nine seasons in the league, being a member of three championship teams, he realizes personal sacrifice usually is essential to team success.

The 6-foot-9 center has appeared in only two of the seven games since the move was made on March 6. A total of 23 minutes, considerably fewer than his season-high 35 back on Nov. 18.

“It’s definitely different,” Looney said. “When you’re out there, you can feel it a little bit more when you’re on the court. But you kind…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-looney-wont-complain-cry-211224575.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-03-21 21:12:24

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