The New Orleans Pelicans will start the season without one of their big men.
Center Kevon Looney has been diagnosed with a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.
The injury occurred during the Pelicans’ second preseason game in Australia. Looney will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks.
The Pelicans signed the 6-foot-9 Looney to a two-year deal worth $16 million in June on the first day of free agency. Looney spent his first 10 NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning three NBA titles. He averaged 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds last past season. His best season was 2022-23 when he averaged career highs in points (7.0) and rebounds (9.1). His signing brought veteran leadership to the locker room and durability. He played in all 82 games in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He played in 74 games the following year and 76 this past season. He has 89 games of playoff experience.