The New Orleans Pelicans entered the preseason full of promise. The roster was healthy, the chemistry was building, and new addition Kevon Looney looked ready to anchor the frontcourt with his usual steady presence. But that optimism took a sudden hit. The team announced that Looney has been diagnosed with a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee, an injury sustained during their game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on October 5.
According to the medical report, Looney will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks, a timeline that likely keeps him out for the beginning of the regular season. The Pelicans open their campaign on October 22 against the Memphis Grizzlies, and without Looney’s rebounding and defensive awareness, they will have to rely on internal adjustments to fill the gap.
For Looney, the injury feels particularly cruel. After eight years with the Golden State Warriors, where he became a symbol of reliability, he joined New Orleans this summer on a two-year 16 million dollar deal seeking a bigger role. During his time with the Warriors, Looney earned a reputation as one of the league’s most durable players. He appeared in all 82 games in both the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons and played 76 games last year. His consistency, calm under pressure, and ability to make the right play at the right time made him a trusted presence in championship runs.
In New Orleans, the plan was clear. Looney would bring his experience and defensive strength to support Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram while stabilizing the team’s rebounding and interior defense. His early preseason minutes showed promise. Against South East Melbourne Phoenix, he scored 4 points in 10 minutes. Against Melbourne United, he added 3 points and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes. It wasn’t about stats; it was about rhythm and leadership.
Then, in one awkward moment, that rhythm was lost. Looney’s knee twisted during a defensive sequence, forcing him to leave the game. The Pelicans’ staff initially hoped it was minor, but further scans revealed the ligament sprain. Now, his recovery becomes the team’s first true test of resilience.
The timing could not be worse. The Pelicans have spent the offseason emphasizing stability after past years of injuries derailed their progress. Looney was supposed to represent that very stability. His absence means the team will now look to Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller to cover his minutes, while young forward E.J. Liddell may get a chance to prove himself in the rotation.
Despite the setback, the Pelicans’ locker room remains optimistic. Teammates have praised Looney’s work ethic and professionalism since arriving in New Orleans. He has quickly become a vocal presence during practices and team meetings, guiding younger players with the same calm leadership he showed in Golden State. Even while sidelined, his influence is expected to remain vital.
For Looney, this injury is familiar territory. Early in his career, multiple hip surgeries threatened his playing future, yet he returned stronger each time. His recovery from those early challenges shaped the veteran he is today — patient, disciplined, and mentally tough. This latest setback, while unfortunate, is unlikely to shake that mindset.
The Pelicans’ medical staff will take a careful approach, avoiding unnecessary risks. The focus is on ensuring Looney returns fully healthy rather than rushing him into the lineup. Given his role as a long-term stabilizer rather than a short-term spark, patience will be key.
Still, his absence will be felt immediately. Looney’s ability to defend without fouling, his positioning under the rim, and his knack for keeping plays alive with offensive rebounds are qualities that don’t always show up in the box score but win games. His injury forces New Orleans to test its frontcourt depth sooner than planned.
Head coach Willie Green now faces a challenge in managing rotations and maintaining team chemistry. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will need to shoulder more responsibility on defense, and the second unit must find its identity without Looney’s leadership on the floor.
For fans, the injury brings frustration but also perspective. The NBA season is long, and adversity often arrives before the first tip-off. The true measure of a team’s growth lies in how it responds. The Pelicans have endured worse, and with a deep roster and renewed focus, they have the tools to stay competitive while Looney recovers.
Looney’s journey is one defined by persistence. From a bench player on a championship team to a trusted veteran leader, his career has always been about doing the hard things quietly. This recovery will be another chapter in that story — one built on patience, trust, and determination.
Kevon Looney’s knee injury is a tough blow for a Pelicans team that had finally found balance heading into the new season. But if his career has taught anything, it’s that setbacks don’t define him perseverance does. His calm leadership, both on and off the court, remains one of the team’s greatest assets.
The Pelicans will have to fight through the early stretch without him, but when Looney returns, he’ll bring more than defense and rebounds. He’ll bring the spirit of a player who never quits. And that, as much as any stat, might be what the Pelicans need most this season.
