The New Orleans Pelicans just had their media day on Tuesday, and while Zion Williamson's body transformation stole headlines, Kevon Looney's comments can't fall under the radar.
During Looney's media availability, he was asked about being a player who does the things that don't appear on the stat sheet and if he takes pride in being that type of player. His response makes it obvious why he was the perfect addition this offseason.
"I take a lot of pride in that stuff. I take pride in doing all the small stuff, all the hard stuff, all the tough stuff... Usually hometown fans have appreciation for it. I know my teammates do"
"I take a lot of pride in that stuff. I take pride in doing all the small stuff, all the hard stuff, all the tough stuff... Usually hometown fans have appreciation for it. I know my teammates do
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) September 23, 2025
-- Kevon Looney on doing the little things pic.twitter.com/oyUYMmsw5u
Looney is the type of center New Orleans needs, and this quote serves as proof. With the offensive talent this team already has with guys like Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Jordan Poole, they don't need a center to come in and try to do all these crazy things.
What they do need is a dirty work big man who is going to fight on the offensive glass, set hard screens, and anchor the paint on defense. These are all things Looney does at an extremely high level.
Many people forget that Looney is one of the main reasons Steph Curry still managed to get open looks, even with the reputation as the greatest shooter ever.
Looney's ability as a screen setter generated so many open threes for the Warriors during his 10 years in Golden State. So, for a team that ranked in the bottom five in both attempts and makes from three last season, Looney's ability as a screener will give an undeniable boost to their three-point production.
Looney should be this team's starting center on opening night.
One of the bigger questions for the Pelicans as we get to opening night is who should start at center, Yves Missi, and Kevon Looney? And my answer hasn't changed after hearing Missi talk about how he still has work to do during Media Day; it's obvious Looney is the more win-now option.
Now, that doesn't mean Looney has to stay the starter the whole season. However, I think having him start the season would not only benefit the Pelicans as a team but also benefit the development of Missi. Having Missi come off the bench to start the year would take some pressure off him, allowing him to continue to develop and grow.
The Pelicans have never needed a center who can do all these crazy things offensively. They just need someone who can fill the gaps and act as the glue keeping things together, which is exactly what Kevon Looney will do.