Kevon Looney 'Cut' for Improvements?

Kevon Looney's consistency and no-nonsense basketball earned the center affinity with Golden State Warriors fans and appreciation from hardcore hoop enthusiasts. However, recent offseason footage suggests the fans are in for a pleasant surprise. Perhaps such a metamorphosis slightly changes the blue-collar center. Will Looney's offseason transformation lead to something tangible for the Warriors?

Looney turns 29 on Feb. 6. Of the 74 games Lonney played, Steve Kerr slotted the center in the starting lineup for 36. The elite screen-setting center averaged 4.5 points and 5.7 rebounds for the 2023-24 season - quite the fall from the season prior. Does such a slide hint at a role change for the Warriors fan-favorite?

Contract years typically enhance or influence the production potential of free agents showcased during the said season. Perhaps that's why Looney appeared as chiseled as Mt. Rushmore during an offseason workout. Looney is owed $8 million. Despite rumors of Looney getting cut by the Warriors in June, perhaps they meant "cut" relating to his physical figure?

Ultimately, the Warriors guaranteed the last year of his contract.

Will Looney's physique matter for the 2024-25 season? As Looney both slimmed down and gained muscle definition, will such a change in build hinder his classic screens set for Warriors guards? Will beefy centers like Nikola Jokic plow through the slender Warriors big?

Conversely, Looney could become a more versatile defender with a slimmer frame. Theoretically, he could switch to smaller defenders. If Kerr wishes, he could utilize Stephen Curry in pick-and-roll sequences with the seemingly faster Looney.

Related: Kevon 'Cut' Looney Impresses in Workout

In a contract year, Looney needs his offseason changes to amount to more than social media engagement for the Warriros to keep him long-term.