The Golden State Warriors are fresh off winning their fourth championship in eight years.
It was a tremendous effort spearheaded by Stephen Curry’s brilliant play that paved the way for this most recent title, but he wasn’t the lone crucial piece of the puzzle.
A number of guys stepped up big for Golden State, especially in the playoffs.
Recently, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr named one particular ‘irreplaceable’ player that his team cannot afford to lose going forward.
Kevin Looney.
“He’s been really good for us over the years, but this year in particular, he’s taken a leap to a point where he’s just irreplaceable for us,” Kerr said. “And he played in every game, and he’s a guy we count on.”
Although he averaged less than six points per game in the postseason, Looney made his impact felt in other ways. He led the team in rebounding in the playoffs with 7.6 per outing. He also had the most offensive rebounds of any player in the postseason with 63 total.
When he did get the opportunity to score, Looney converted on 66% field goal efficiency.
Looney is entering this summer as a free agent. He is fresh off a three-year, $14.4 million contract.
The 26-year-old was an instrumental part of the team’s championship run and should be rewarded as such.
Where will Looney ultimately suit up come next season?
Time will tell.
More must-reads: