Kevon Looney’s Struggles Spark Outcry from Pelicans Fans
The New Orleans Pelicans faced a disappointing defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers, and the performance of Kevon Looney encapsulated the frustrations of the season. The veteran center’s brief four-minute appearance was marred by a series of blunders that highlighted his struggles on the court.
Looney’s night began with a failed attempt to catch a lob pass that resulted in a turnover. Shortly after, he fouled Donovan Clingan in a situation where the odds were stacked against him, leading to an and-one opportunity for the Blazers. To compound his troubles, Looney committed a moving screen violation on the other end, picking up a second foul and prompting his early exit in favor of Derik Queen. Despite starting for the fifth consecutive game, Looney logged only eight minutes and ten seconds of playing time, while Queen, who took over, played nearly 38 minutes.
A Pattern of Ineffectiveness
The game was emblematic of a troubling trend for the Pelicans this season. Time and again, they find themselves digging early holes, only for Queen to enter and spark some life into the team. Yet, the improvements have often been too late to overcome the deficits created during Looney’s time on the floor.
Statistically, the numbers paint a grim picture. Looney has yet to see the Pelicans win any of his minutes this season, amassing a staggering -58 plus-minus over 87 minutes played. According to Cleaning the Glass data, the team’s performance dips by 24.8 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, marking the worst on/off rating among his teammates.
From Champion to Liability
Once a pivotal player for the Golden State Warriors, contributing to three championship victories, Looney’s current form is concerning. While he was known for his solid defense and underrated skills, he now appears to have lost vital mobility. His offensive game, already limited, has hit a new low; he’s shooting just 31.8% from the field, primarily from shots taken around the basket. This means that the Pelicans are essentially operating with a significant handicap whenever he’s on the court.
Defenses are increasingly ignoring Looney, and his presence often leads to stagnant offensive plays. The result is a frustrating dynamic for a team that needs every scoring opportunity it can muster.
The Case for Derik Queen
What adds to the frustration is the apparent disconnect between head coach Willie Green and the reality of Looney’s performance. Most observers agree that Queen should be the starting center, yet Green continues to prioritize Looney, complicating the rookie’s efforts to establish himself. Queen’s lengthy minutes off the bench, often without adequate breaks, suggest that a more balanced rotation could better serve the team’s needs.
Starting Queen would allow him to play more manageable stretches, enhancing his effectiveness and providing him with the necessary rest to maintain a high level of play.
Management’s Dilemma
The Pelicans compounded their challenges by signing Looney to a two-year, $16 million contract in the offseason, a decision that now seems questionable at best. While it is understandable that the organization wants to maximize their investment, it may be time to reevaluate Looney’s role. Treating him as a sunk cost and sidelining him could be a necessary step for the Pelicans to regain competitive footing.
As the season progresses, the outcry from fans grows louder, with many demanding accountability and change. The situation surrounding Looney and the Pelicans is a microcosm of a larger struggle, one that will require decisive action to rectify.
