Golden State Warriors: 3 reasons Kevon Looney is a great signing

2. He knows the system

With three centers set to hit the free agent market, the Warriors had a choice to make.

They could choose to bring back any one of Looney, JaVale McGee or Zaza Pachulia, maintaining the chemistry without having to fit in a new piece. Or, they could try to upgrade the position in the hopes it’d better their title chances in 2019.

Technically, Golden State did both, bringing back Looney while also signing All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. However, as has been well-documented, Boogie isn’t expected back until who knows when, at which point he’ll be working his way back after suffering a torn Achilles in January.

Even when DeMarcus makes his long-anticipated return, Kerr will still have to fit him into the system, a feat that could take time Golden State may not have depending on when Cousins becomes fully healthy.

Boogie may be the better player, injury or not, but Looney is the one who’s played in Golden State the last three seasons. In terms of familiarity with things like the playbook and teammate’s tendencies, it’s no debate.

Looney’s understanding of the Warriors’ culture gives the team a starting center from opening night until game 82 and through the postseason — one that doesn’t need to be acclimated to the organization.

With this, Golden State won’t feel the need to rush Cousins back into the fold, allowing the Dubs to hit the ground running in October while slowly working their shiny new toy back into pristine condition.