When the New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2025 NBA offseason, it was unclear what direction Joe Dumars would take this team and what his plans were for the future. One thing that seemed certain was that Yves Missi would be the long-term answer at the five coming off a great rookie season. However, that couldn't have been farther from the truth as not only did Dumars trade up to draft a big man in the 2025 NBA draft, but also at the start of free agency, sign Kevon Looney.
Following the Summer League, it was clear that Dumars made the right call by bringing in some depth at the five. Against lesser competition, Missi looked awful, shooting below 30% from the field.
With all the question marks Missi now faces about his future in New Orleans and Derik Queen likely still being sidelined to start the 2025-26 season, the Pelicans are lucky to have Kevon Looney.
Now, ever since the Pelicans signed Looney, I have made it clear I am a fan. He is the type of no-nonsense pro this young group needs, a guy who's been there and done that as a 3-time NBA champion. And I genuinely believe next season, outside of Zion Williamson, he is the most important piece to this team's success.
Can he provide that steady two-way presence the Pelicans have been looking for
Over the 29-year-old's last four seasons, he has only missed 14 games. This type of consistent health would make the average person assume Looney doesn't play hard, which is further from the truth. People like Kevin Garnett and Stephen Jackson have praised Looney for his unreal hustle.
Over the past three years, Looney has ranked in the 87th percentile or higher in offensive rebounding percentage. That type of energy on the glass is something New Orleans needs, as hustle plays on the glass often result in teams going on big runs late in quarters.
Although he spent 70 of his 76 games coming off the bench last season, his averages for someone playing just 15 minutes a game were impressive. Looney posted averages of 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
I'm expecting him to play upwards of 23+ minutes a night, and the last time he did that was 2022-23, where he averaged 7.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and shot 63% from the field.
Like I said, though, his impact is beyond his box score. For a decade, he was one of the main reasons Stephen Curry got as many clean looks as he did. Looney's ability as a screen is among some of the best in the league as he knows exactly how to use his body and position to take advantage of defenders.
His ability as an on-ball and off-ball screen is going to open things up so much more on the offensive end for this Pelicans team. The Pelicans ranked in the bottom five in three made and attempted last season, and I expect those numbers to skyrocket partially because of his screening ability.
Defensively, Looney has been someone who never shies away from a challenge, whether that be Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Karl Anthony-Towns, or any other top big man in the league. He isn't elite, but he is good enough to hold his own.
Even off the court, Looney is going to be an X Factor for this group as a leader and an experienced 3-time NBA champion. Joe Dumars wants to establish a winning culture with this team, and Kevon Looney will be a big part of that.