BREAKING: New Orleans Pelicans center Kevon Looney has been diagnosed with a significant left knee injury, sidelining him for at least two to three weeks. The team confirmed Looney’s injury status just moments ago, detailing that he suffered a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain during a preseason exhibition game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on October 5, 2023.
This injury comes as the Pelicans prepare for their season opener on October 22 against the Memphis Grizzlies, raising concerns about the team’s depth and performance as they aim for a strong start. Looney, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, is entering his 11th NBA season and was a key free-agent acquisition made by Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars.
As a pivotal part of the Golden State Warriors’ championship teams, Looney has averaged 5 points and 5.7 rebounds throughout his career. His absence will be felt deeply as the Pelicans look to solidify their roster ahead of the regular season.
In the wake of Looney’s injury, the Pelicans will rely on Yves Missi, a rookie from Baylor and their 2024 first-round draft choice. Missi made an impressive impact in his debut season, playing in 73 games and starting 67, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 26.8 minutes per game.
Fans and analysts are now watching closely as the Pelicans navigate this setback. The immediate focus will be on how they adapt to the loss of Looney and whether Missi can step up to fill the void. With the season opener just days away, the Pelicans need a swift adjustment to stay competitive.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The Pelicans’ official announcements will be critical in assessing Looney’s recovery timeline and the team’s strategy moving forward.