Golden State Warriors: Most Intriguing Players on Summer League Team

Kevon Looney, Power Forward, UCLA

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA;

(UCLA) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors 2015 first-round draft pick will get his first taste of Warriors’ basketball when he takes the floor in Summer League. Fans who didn’t watch him play at UCLA will be getting their first taste of Looney as well.

Looney only played one season for the Bruins with averages of 11.6 points per game, 9.2 rebounds per game, and a .415% three-point percentage. His tremendous rebounding capability, coupled with his efficient shooting stroke make him a mold of Draymond Green. Green has always been strong on the boards and can sink the three ball, getting the nickname, “Treymond”.

The Warriors are hoping that Looney can turn into a mini version of Green after spending their first pick on him. Unless Looney’s health issues flair up again, he should be the direct backup to Green in 2015. He needs more polishing, as he is still somewhat raw, but playing in Summer League will definitely help season him.

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Speaking of Looney’s health issues, the young forward carries a lot of injury baggage going into his first pro season. He was originally expected to go in the ‘teens of the first round, but due to a reported hip injury and asthma issues dropped him back to 30th. Looney’s camp and UCLA coach Steve Alford have refuted reports that Looney’s hip will derail his play. Overall, more than anything Looney should look to stay healthy in the 2015 offseason.

If Looney is truly over his hip issue, than he has the upside that had him originally going into the lottery. While he shot well in college, he should still be developing his three point shot for the NBA level. Looney will be making his money on the boards, where he racked up the aforementioned total of 9.2 per game.

Looney ranked first in the Pac-12 with 122 offensive rebounds, third in defensive rebounds with 209, and second in total rebounds with 331. His 9.2 average ranked second in the Pac-12.

The Warriors did well on the boards in 2014-15, grabbing 44.7 per game, good for tied sixth in the NBA. Adding Looney in the fold with only increase that number.

Overall, Looney should be one of the main spectacles for the Warriors’ Summer League team. Fans and coaches alike will get their first taste of their new first-round pick.

Next: Chasson Randle