Brandin Podziemski didn’t spend long sharing the court with Kevon Looney - just two seasons together in Golden State - but the young guard’s respect for the veteran big man runs deep. After the Warriors’ 104-96 win over the Pelicans on Saturday, Podziemski didn’t hold back when asked about Looney’s impact, both on and off the floor.
“He’s the standard. He’s the motto that you want to follow,” Podziemski said postgame. “Everybody that has aspirations to make it from Milwaukee knows Kevon Looney.”
That’s not just high praise - it’s a reflection of Looney’s quiet but powerful influence over nearly a decade in the NBA. Drafted by the Warriors in 2015, Looney carved out a reputation in the Bay Area as a dependable, selfless, and battle-tested contributor.
He’s not flashy, but his fingerprints are all over Golden State’s three championship banners from the last decade. Now with the Pelicans, Looney may have changed jerseys, but his presence still resonates - especially with those who’ve come up through the same Wisconsin basketball pipeline.
Looney, affectionately known as the “King of Milwaukee,” has become more than just a hometown hero. He’s a blueprint for how to make it in the league without demanding the spotlight.
His career has been built on doing the dirty work - setting screens, grabbing boards, anchoring the defense - and earning the trust of stars and coaches alike. That’s not lost on Podziemski, who, like Looney, hails from the Milwaukee area and is quickly learning what it means to be a pro in the Warriors’ system.
At just 29 years old, Looney’s NBA journey is far from over. While his minutes in New Orleans have been limited this season, his value goes beyond the box score.
He brings championship experience, locker room stability, and the kind of work ethic that young teams crave. And with another former Warrior, Jordan Poole, also now in New Orleans, there’s a familiar thread of Golden State DNA running through that Pelicans roster.
The Warriors and Pelicans will meet again on February 24 in New Orleans - a reunion of sorts, and another chance to see Looney face off against the franchise where he made his name. Whether he logs significant minutes or not, his impact will be felt. Because wherever he goes, Looney brings more than just basketball - he brings a standard.