Was Detroit Pistons’ Luke Kennard snubbed off FanSided 25-under-25 list?
Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney came into the “best of the rest” list at No. 33. At 23 years old, Looney has a far greater postseason resume than Kennard has, which includes two NBA Championships. Looney also passed up what could’ve been a big payday to remain with the Golden State Warriors this offseason.
I, for one, love Looney as a player. I think that he plays with a drive and passion that helped the Warriors during their five (two with Looney) straight Finals appearances. I mean, the man played in the Finals with a fracture in his chest.
That being said, when it comes to an immediate impact on the team this season, I don’t think Looney’s on-the-court production will be more meaningful than Kennard’s. The Warriors lost some depth, a la Kevin Durant, Jordan Bell and DeMarcus Cousins, but I don’t see his role changing much.
Looney has been a strong defensive anchor for one of the league’s best defenses for his short few seasons in the NBA. But on offense, there’s been no indication that his game will improve. He’s attempted 68 percent of his career shots from within three feet of the basket, and 82 percent within 10 feet of the basket.
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Fortunately for Looney, I don’t think offense is why he made the list. Though, and I know plus/minus can be a dumb stat especially when your teammates are Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, but last season when Looney was on the court, the team was +10.6.
As I’ve said when talking about individual recognition, and as I think PistonPowered somewhat represents, this could be a little bit of Detroit vs. Everyone, eh? Is Looney on the list because he was a part of one of the most prolific NBA teams in history? If Looney put up these numbers on say, the Memphis Grizzlies (sorry Memphis) or even with the Detroit Pistons, does he make this list?
I get that Looney is a solid defender, but talking about an immediate impact on the court this upcoming season, I can’t see his play style changing much, especially with the big void of Durant leaving. While talented, his supporting cast has also improved his value. He’s played alongside two-to-three of the best shooters of All-Time and one of the most versatile defenders of all time. So I just wonder how much of it is actually Looney.
Wow, I didn’t mean to get that heavily invested in Kevon Looney. As I said, I really love the way the guy plays. I think he’s a great talent. But I think Kennard shines brighter this season. Maybe I’ll eat my own words, which would totally be fine. But I’d take Kennard’s season with the Pistons as having more of an immediate impact than Looney’s with the Warriors.