Kevon Looney, the Pelicans' star center, is set to miss the court for 2-3 weeks due to a recent left knee injury. The injury occurred during a preseason game in Australia, marking a setback for the 6-foot-9 player, who is entering his 11th NBA season. Looney, a former Golden State Warriors champion, has been a key free-agent acquisition this offseason, averaging 5 points and 5.7 rebounds throughout his career. The Pelicans' management, led by new executive vice president Joe Dumars, has announced that Looney's injury is a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain, requiring a minimum of two to three weeks of recovery. This news comes as a blow to the team, especially with the upcoming regular season opener on October 22nd against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans' other center, Yves Missi, a 2024 first-round draft pick, is expected to step up and fill the void during Looney's absence. Missi, who played 73 games as a rookie, averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the NBA.
