Looney’s great response to Kerr praising him as leader originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Kevon Looney grew into an important role last season with the Warriors, but the way he’s stepped up off the court as a leader gained the respect of many, including his coach Steve Kerr.
On Wednesday, Kerr raved about Looney’s leadership and spoke passionately about what the 6-foot-9 center has brought to the team in wake of a messy situation involving Draymond Green and Jordan Poole.
While talking to reporters after practice Thursday, Looney talked about Kerr’s kind words and what they mean to him.
“I definitely heard it. It means a lot for your coach to respect you that much and for your teammates to respect you,” Looney said. “That’s not just given, you have to earn that. For him to speak that highly of me, it shows all the work I’ve been doing not just on the court, but trying to develop myself as a man and continue to get better as a basketball player and as a human, taking those strides.”
During what’s been a difficult time for the Warriors after video footage leaked of Green punching Poole’s face during practice last week, the Warriors were without one of their veterans when Green announced he was taking time away from the team.
That left the team with one fewer leader with the start of the 2022-23 NBA season approaching.
Queue in Looney.
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“My first couple of years, I didn’t say much and one of my goals was to speak up more and be more vocal,” Looney said. “I’m finally at a place where I feel comfortable and I feel like I earned the respect. I put the time in to do those types of things and for people to notice that, it’s a good feeling.”
It’s more than what Looney does on the court that makes him an easy fan favorite. It’s why “MVP!” chants poured out of Chase Center last season, and why the cheers and applause will continue this season and beyond.
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