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Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney is headed to Santa Cruz. According to a report from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the fifth-year pro has been assigned to the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s affiliate.
Source: Kevon Looney has been assigned to the G-League. Heading down to Santa Cruz. Positive sign of his slow progress as he works his way back from his neuropathic condition.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 19, 2019
This is good news for the Warriors, as it suggests that Looney is making progress. After missing all of training camp due to what was diagnosed as a hamstring injury, Looney started the season opener for the Warriors. But he was pulled before halftime, and hasn’t played since, with what is being described as a nerve issue.
The Santa Cruz assignment suggests that Looney is progressing, and nearing a return.
Don’t expect Looney to play any games for Santa Cruz. It’s unlikely that the plan is for him to play there, rather than just to practice. G League teams practice more regularly than NBA teams, due to the lighter schedule, so many teams assign rehabbing players to the G League just so they can get more court time.
Golden State notably did this last year with DeMarcus Cousins, and the Indiana Pacers are currently doing so with All-Star Victor Oladipo.
So, sorry Santa Cruz fans: You’re unlikely to see Looney coming to a court near you. But on the bright side, you might see him at Chase Center in the near future.